Have you ever felt the despair of a rainy day?

The Rumor:  A day of bad weather can enhance sadness and major mood changes.

The rumor has circulated that when a raindrop comes down from the sky, your mood can drop too. Research has confirmed that feeling down and meh on a rainy day is valid. 

The verdict: The weather can most certainly bring you down. 

Bad weather has been proven to have a negative effect on a person’s emotions and actions. According to a recent study, 10 percent of people do not enjoy the rain, due to the immense feeling of sadness that overcomes them. When there is more precipitation in the air, this category of people tends to become more angry and anxious. In areas with a higher yearly average rainfall, such as San Francisco, it is very common to see a change in mood. Tecsia Evans, a psychologist in San Francisco, sees clients on a daily basis. She notices that when it gets “dark and dreary out” the majority of her patients have a lower self esteem. Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs in many places where there is less sunlight during some parts of the year. People with SAD disorder may experience depression, fatigue, withdrawal from society, and depression. There is an explanation for your seasonal sadness!

The solution : Keep the lights on in your house and don’t succumb to the darkness that is present outside.

What can you do about a mood shift during rainy weather? Turn on the lights in your house, rather than turning the lights off and matching the weather outside. Be active within your home. You can watch an upbeat movie, dance around to some music, cook, paint or do any of your favorite activities that bring you joy. Julia Samton, a psychiatrist from another rainy place, New York City, “encourages people to walk outside, even when it’s cold and rainy.” This is proven to boost endorphins, regulating your mood. Don’t be discouraged by days of rain and fog, take advantage of each day we live on Earth, no matter the weather.