Weather Changes

We are all at the mercy of the weather both in terms of how we get about our cities and towns but also in our mood. Many people I have taught and trained tell me they experience mood shifts and even forms of depression associated with the weather.

Being back in Austria and experiencing the heat that has been with us most of Summer from the colder but still sunny weather of Australia, I see the difference. When the air is thick with heat and you cannot escape it, it really drags you down. Sleepless nights because it is so hot, mean harder days filled with more coffee and complaining. Are you someone who is effected by the heat? What about the cold?

It was amazing to see in just two days Vienna become colder. We had rain for 24 hours and since then temperature has been 10 degrees cooler. It is welcome relief but possibly sparks the end of the Summer period.

Having lived in Australia for 35 years before coming to Europe I think spoiled me. The weather changes exist but on the whole it often feels now like there are two seasons and not four. It is warmer for more time of the year, where here in Vienna heat feels brief. I wonder if this effects people's moods. Although Vienna is now rated on all City Scales as the most liveable city in the world I wonder based on the weather if this could be. It is certainly cooler more months of the year than it is warmer.

I try not to let the weather effect me but I am certain it does. I don't see huge mood swings in myself but I know I am more comfortable in this more often colder climate. As I mentioned others who I have worked with feel really effected and this information their work, social life and general living. So what can we do?

Perhaps the best idea is to embrace it. We are not always meant to be upbeat and happy and it is worth knowing the sad times to know the good times. Each season and weather condition brings with it its own challenges. Perhaps the message here is to find the messages within ourselves and take the take to explore. If we hastily brush them off then the issue is not worked on.