DIRECCIÓN ACADÉMICA

FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS HUMANAS

VICEDECANATURA ACADÉMICA
PROGRAMA DE SEGUNDA LENGUA

ENGLISH LEVEL 2 – JOHNATAN MARTÌNEZ HERNÀNDEZ

NAME: __________________________________________________________ DATE:__________________________
HOW WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR MOOD
The Weather and Your Mood
How much does the weather really affect your mood?
by Jennie Wood
You've heard the term Seasonal Affective Disorder. You also know that exposure to sunlight
provides vitamin D, which affects hormone levels and, therefore, moods. You've sat inside on a
gloomy, rainy day, annoyed that your plans were washed out. But how much does the weather
really affect your mood?
Research has proven that warm temperatures and exposure to sunshine have the greatest
positive impact on moods. A report published in the British Journal of Psychology found that
warmer temperatures lowered anxiety and skepticism while more hours of sunshine increased
positive thinking. The same study showed that high levels of humidity made it hard to concentrate, increasing fatigue and
sleepiness.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the clinical name for winter depression or the winter blues, occurs due to the temperature
drop and the short days during the winter months. Symptoms include depression and excessive eating and sleeping. Some
people with SAD gain weight due to over-eating and inactivity. Women suffer from SAD up to three times more than men.
https://www.infoplease.com/weather/weather-and-your-mood

1. A Lack Of Sunlight Can Make You Sad

A lack of sunlight can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder. Appropriately known as SAD, this mood disorder usually affects
people from October through April when daylight becomes more scarce. When exposed to less sunlight, your body produces
more melatonin, the hormone which makes you feel sleepy. And just as your body begins craving mid-day naps, your brain
begins producing lower levels of serotonin — the neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, sleep, and sexual desire. Simply
put, SAD can make you feel sad. To combat SAD, consider putting your bedroom lights on a timer so they come on before you
wake, giving your brain the illusion of a sunrise. No timer on hand? Look into purchasing a light therapy box for year round
sunshine.
2. Cold Temperatures Can Lead To Physical Lethargy
Cold temperatures reduce sensory feedback, dexterity, muscle strength, blood flow, and balance, which can impact your
performance of complex physical tasks. Does that initial morning chill leave you feeling completely unmotivated to hit the
gym? Make it a habit to pile on the layers, and do 15 minutes of stretching first thing in the morning — the added warmth and
movement will stimulate blood flow.
3. Sunlight Makes You Spend More Money
Researchers found that exposure to sunlight is associated with higher levels of spending. Since sunshine makes us feel more
positive, consequently, it also causes us to shop more. Consider this finding your silver lining to less sunlight — the shorter days
can lead to increased savings. Cha-ching.
4. Rain Can Cause You To Eat More
The lack of sunlight associated with rainy days can cause serotonin levels to dip, and as serotonin levels decrease, carbohydrate
cravings increase. According to Judith Wurtman, former scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-author
of The Serotonin Power Diet, eating carbohydrates helps depressed individuals feel better because the carbs spark an
immediate serotonin increase. But that happiness spike is short-lived, as serotonin levels drop shortly thereafter. The solution?
Instead of pasta, reach for starchy vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or pumpkin — just as comforting as linguine, and great
sources for added vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
5. Rain Can Cause Pain
As atmospheric pressure decreases, clouds and rain become much more likely. This reduction in atmospheric pressure allows
bodily fluids to move from blood vessels to tissues, causing pressure on the nerves and joints, which leads to increased pain,
stiffness, and reduced mobility. So if you see rain in your forecast, ditch the cardio and go straight to yoga — your knees and
shoulders will thank you later.
6. Being Outside Can Improve Your Memory, And Boost Creativity
Researchers from a 2004 University of Michigan study found that people who spent at least 30 minutes outside during periods
of pleasant weather reported improved mood, memory, and openness to new information and creative thoughts. Even if it's
cold outside, if you see the sun shining make it a point to get up from your desk and take a brisk 30-minute walk during your
lunch break — you'll find that your afternoons will become increasingly more productive.
https://www.bustle.com/articles/113278-6-scientific-ways-weather-affects-your-mood-so-you-can-adapt-your-mind-and-body-through

Can Rainy Days Really Get You Down?

By Julie Taylor
The Rumor: Rainy days can really get you down
Ever notice that as rain drops from the sky, your mood sometimes drops, too? If you feel meh on a dreary day, you might just
chalk it up to coincidence. Sure, the Carpenters sang, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” But can rain really ruin
your mood?
The Verdict: Yep, rainy days really can get you down
If you feel down during a downpour, it’s not your imagination: Bad weather can indeed have a negative effect on your
emotions. According to one study, nearly 9 percent of people fall into the “rain haters” category. This group feels angrier and
less happy on days with more precipitation. Another study found that rain even increased the number of negative posts
published on Facebook.
Tecsia Evans, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco (where it rains 67 days a year, on average), says,
“When it gets dark and dreary out, some people definitely have more susceptibility to feeling lonely or down. It’s pretty
common to see a change in mood -- such as feeling sadness or lower self-esteem -- when it’s rainy outside.”
If your mood tends to downshift with rainy weather, what can you do about it? Evans says that even if you’re tempted to shut
off the lights and crawl into bed during a rainstorm, make the choice to turn on the lights instead. “There has been research that
light can boost serotonin, which elevates the mood,” she says.
Julia Samton, MD, a psychiatrist at NYC's Manhattan Neuropsychiatric who offers light therapy in her practice, takes that
advice a step further. “I encourage people to really try to make sure they walk outside, even when it’s cold and rainy,” she says.
“Even though it might not seem that light out, you’ll still get some exposure to UV rays, which can help regulate your body’s
circadian rhythm and boost your mood.”
Cooped up inside because it's absolutely raining cats and dogs? Engage in pleasurable activities that make you feel good, such
as watching a cheerful movie, playing a game, doing arts and crafts or reading a book, suggests Evans.
When you’re feeling down, get up -- literally. “I encourage people to exercise... that’s a big one,” says Samton. “It gives people
vitality, can [contribute] to self-esteem, and increases endorphins that have a positive effect on the mood.” Work up a sweat to
an exercise video on YouTube, do sit-ups or put on some music and start dancing.
Lastly, don’t isolate yourself in rainy weather, warns Evans. “When people are by themselves, it can feel like things are worse
than they really are,” she notes. Connect with others instead of hiding from the rain alone indoors, and your disposition is sure
to be sunnier -- no matter how dark and gloomy the weather may be.
http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/can-rainy-days-really-get-you-down#1

The impact of weather on mood may also depend on what ‘weather’ type of personality each person has. The have broken
down the various types:
 17% of people love summer. They find that they are less angry, less fearful, and happier when the sun is shining and
the temperatures are higher. They also find that they are less happy as well as experience more anger and anxiety
when there is more precipitation.
 27% of people hate summer. The more the sun shines the more angry and fearful and the less happy they are. The find
that when there is more precipitation they felt less angry and fearful and actually felt happier.
 9% of people hate the rain. They are less happy and angrier when there is more precipitation. Strangely, although they
were happier during sunny days and higher temperatures they were also more fearful and yet less angry.
 48% of the people are not affected by weather conditions at all.
http://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/peoples-moods.html