How do you feel when the weather turns hot and humid? Tired? Lethargic? Sleepy? The blazing heat and humidity may affect you more than you think. If you feel "out of it," you're probably not alone.
According to the Web site Science Daily, “The positive impact warm, sunny weather can have on mental health and mood are real,” are the findings of a University of Michigan study. “It should not be surprising that weather and seasons affect human behavior, given that humans have evolved with seasonal and weather changes since the dawn of the species.”
Researchers found that pleasant weather improves mood, memory, broadens our creative ability and our openness to new information. “Being outside in pleasant weather really offers a way to re-set your mindset,” said Matthew Keller, the University of Michigan post-doctoral researcher who led the weather-related psychological study. “We found two important variables: how much time you spend outside and what the season is.”
Ten mood variables were related to eight weather variables in a multidimensional study on weather according to pubmed.org. Data was collected for 23 male subjects over 11 consecutive days. Mood variables included concentration, depression, sleepiness, optimism, and skepticism. The weather variables included hours of sunshine, precipitation, and temperature.
“Humidity, temperature, and hours of sunshine had the greatest effect on mood,” the study found.
“High levels of humidity lowerered scores on concentration while increasing reports of sleepiness. Humidity was the most significant predictor in regression.” Our humidity was especially high yesterday. Were you feeling tired or having trouble concentrating?
The study adds that the implications for school and work performance are critical, and it highlights the importance of humidity as a weather variable.
Paul
