For some, tears fall from their eyes when rain descends from the sky. They feel sad, lonely, or depressed. Others are irritated at the inconvenience brought about by the rain. On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who prefer the gloomy, rainy sky. In fact, they thrive during rainy weather.
Why does the rain make many of us sad? Maybe it reminds us of tears. Maybe we’ve always associated gloomy weather with sad and miserable things because of the stories we watch and read. Movies often show funerals in the rain. Happy is almost always portrayed in a sunny, bright, and colorful setting.
Psychologist Antonio Kalentzis explained that the weather can have a significant impact on our mood and mental state.
“Rain is often associated with sadness and depression. The lack of sunlight on cloudy and rainy days can cause our bodies to produce less serotonin, leading to feelings of lethargy and sadness. The sound of rain can also have a calming effect, which can be positive, but prolonged rainfall can lead to a sense of dreariness,” he stated.
What can we do if the rain makes us feel downhearted? Sometimes, the feeling is so strong that it overwhelms us. All we want is to just curl up in a ball and stay under the covers until the sun comes out again. What can we do?
First, STATUS CHECK.
Are you warm, safe, and dry? Health and safety first. You’d be surprised at what the right clothes, body temperature, or a dry pair of socks can do. A hot cup of tea, coffee milk, or chocolate can also do wonders.
Second, APPRECIATE.
Be grateful that you are warm, safe, and dry. Be thankful for the roof above your head; for your boots, raincoat, and umbrella; or for the car that’s taking you safely from point A to B.
Third, HAVE FUN.
Enjoy the weather. Now is your chance to wear the rainy-day outfits in your closet. Bring out the boots you got on sale that you never wear. Put on that trench coat you bought from the ukay-ukay when you went to Baguio for a vacation. Use that big colorful (or basic black) umbrella that will complete your look. Explore your OOTD!
Fourth, SWITCH PERSPECTIVES.
If today was a holiday or your day off and it was sunny, what would you choose to do? Being productive today—a rainy day—might open the option for you to do all those things on a future day that is actually sunny. It might not be wise to laze the day away because of the weather. (Of course, typhoons or genuinely feeling “under the weather” calls for the proper considerations.)
Fifth, CREATE YOUR SUN.
“Sunshine is often associated with happiness, positive actions and positive thinking. When the sun is shining, we tend to feel more energetic and optimistic. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin in our brains, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. This is why people often feel happier in the summertime when the sun is out,” explained Kalentzis.
If the rain makes you sad, what makes you happy? Stick to simple joys. Milk tea? Massage or hot oil? Cold beer at the end of the day? The company of friends and family? A nap? Gym time? Trigger the release of serotonin in your brain. Do what brings out that warm, fuzzy, joyful feeling inside of you.
If you constantly struggle with your emotions or mood because of the weather and it heavily affects your life, you might want to consider consulting a mental health professional.
Rain is part of the world and important for our survival. It is a powerful and necessary force of nature. Let us embrace it as it is. The next time rain falls from the sky, instead of focusing on how it’s making us feel, let us appreciate its presence and be grateful for its purpose.
