Of course, we are all aware that the changing of seasons influences our daily routines and lifestyles, such as with these faster-darkening days during the fall. However, besides the apparent effects that changing weather has on us, for many people they begin to have internal troubles.

Did you know that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is actually a thing? It’s often diagnosed in people during Daylight Savings Time, which runs from October to April, causing “longer nights”. According to Bustler.com, when the body is less exposed to sunlight, it’s melatonin levels increase, and this hormone causes you to feel more tired and sleepy. Another effect associated with such undersupply of Vitamin D, is that serotonin levels decrease, which often entails a higher carbohydrate craving. 

Given these points, I wanted to leave you off with some opinions from one of our fellow Condors, Evelyn Gomez.

“Weather affects my mood and lifestyle significantly. I love when it rains and when it’s cold. Usually that makes people sad or gloomy, but those type of days make me happier. It’s usually when it’s really hot that I feel lazy and I don’t want to go outside. Those days do not motivate me to do anything” she said

Does it make more sense now why you feel lazy on rainy days, and just want to snack on french fries and eat cereal at 7 pm? Maybe, maybe not. But the point is that many of us go through mental shifts during these transition periods, without even noticing! And although you may not struggle with Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, it’s important to be aware of these things, to further understand one another’s reactions to certain settings.