As the months go on and the weather becomes warmer, our behaviors tend to change for better or for worse, even if we don’t notice.
Warm weather can bring out a lot of different feelings for people. Each person reacts differently to weather based on specific characteristics like personality, mental state, age or where they grew up.
“People are more likely to become irritable and behave aggressively, or event violently, when exposed to excessive heat,” said Barbara Field from Verywell Mind.
The research she conducted shows a defined correlation between crime, particularly the number of shootings and higher temperatures, demonstrated in a study conducted in Chicago.
According to her research, on average, most crimes were most likely to happen on weekends or holidays in the hottest months of June and August.
The violence and aggression caused by the heat can also be taken out in places like the road.
According to The Law Offices of Vic Feazell, “hot and humid weather can be associated with aggression, violence, fatigue, and a lower general mood.”
These feelings are prominent when some people come out on the road.
Across the country, extreme temperatures have been affecting people mentally as well as physically, especially in the last few years.
“All mental illnesses increase with heat because it results in more fatigue, irritability and anxiety, and it can exacerbate depressive episodes,” said Dr. Homa Shah, a professor at Baylor University.
Dr. Shah confirmed that heat has several impacts on serotonin: the first neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Anger, stress and anxiety are all regular examples of how heat can impact our mental health and mood.
Despite the negative effects of higher temperatures, studies have shown that sunlight and warm weather can be beneficial for the way people feel and act. When the sun is out that means we are getting vitamin D, helping our bones and our moods.
“The sun provides you with things that make you happy like Vitamin D and things like that,” said art teacher Gregg Stevens. “Sunlight increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood.”
The serotonin released by your body from the sun’s rays also works with hormones that improve the quality of your sleep.
According to Tri-City Medical Center, “Working in tandem with serotonin is melatonin, a chemical in your brain that lulls you into slumber and one that sun also helps your body produce.”
Sunlight exposure can also help release stress and the sun can be enjoyed by exercising, taking the dog on a walk or just going outside to get some sun exposure.
According to UnityPoint Health, “Being in the sun can make people feel better and have more energy.”
Being in the sunlight when the weather is warm can be beneficial for people, until it’s too hot to the point where it negatively affects someone’s mood.
Student and Green School member, Amelia Gougam, shares her ideas about how warm weather affects people’s moods.
“I think when the weather is nice out people are more motivated to be outside and do things they enjoy, but I think if it gets too hot people are more likely to get irritated and annoyed,” said Gougam.
