Feeling down or tired? Cloudy skies might be the reason

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Cloudy days can affect your mood for several reasons.

Wintertime tends to feature a lot of cloudy days, especially when you have an active weather pattern like what we’ve been in since the December 2023 tornado outbreak.

Cloudy days can throw you into a funk. So, why exactly is that the case? There are lots of things to consider here.

The winter days are short as it is, which means we have fewer hours of light in a day. This can throw off your body’s Circadian Rhythm.

With less sunlight, your body may produce less serotonin, a natural chemical in your body that helps control your mood. Lower serotonin levels can make you feel tired, sad, and even emotionally unstable.

Consecutive cloudy days can make you feel extra sleepy for this reason. You may also feel drowsy, anxious, irritable, or you may not have much interest in doing anything. Your ability to think clearly can also decline.

All of these things can affect your overall performance and mood. You would be aware of these changes in your mood compared to how you normally feel.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year, is often triggered during the fall and winter months for those it affects.

If you suffer from SAD or depression in general, you should get help from a medical professional.

Here are some things you can try on your own to combat the feelings of tiredness and sadness:

-light therapy (a specialized light with at least 10,000 lux) for at least 30 minutes a day

-regular exercise

-eat cleaner/healthier

-avoid alcohol and/or drugs

-surround yourself with positive company to keep your mood lifted

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