21/02/2025
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Just as relevant to us horse riders and dressage enthusiasts:
THE WEATHER AND ITS INFLUENCE ON OUR MOODS
The Subtle Dance Between Nature and Emotion
The weather often affects our moods in profound ways. Today was a rainy, overcast day, which often leaves me feeling exhausted or in need of a slower pace. While I sometimes fight these feelings and try to stick to my routine, I've realized that adhering too rigidly to a routine can strip the joy from our activities. When we become too task-oriented, we lose the spontaneity and pleasure in our work, becoming more like robots executing tasks rather than staying present and enjoying the moment.
This epiphany led me to a different approach today. I decided to embrace the day's mood and see where it took me. Instead of diving into my usual structured tasks, I chose to simply hang out and see what would unfold. When I arrived, my horses both came up to me to say hello before returning to their grazing. This simple interaction reminded me of the importance of being present and open to the moment.
In my work, I've noticed that rainy days can bring up difficult feelings for therapy clients. The somber weather often mirrors their inner emotional state, making it harder for them to engage or confront their feelings. Sometimes, the discomfort is so intense that clients disengage, preferring to spend time with a different horse or avoid discussing their emotions altogether. However, horses have a unique ability to reflect our incongruences, revealing the emotions we may not even recognize within ourselves.
The impact of weather on our mood has been a subject of interest for both scientists and laypeople for centuries. It's fascinating to explore how different weather conditions can evoke a wide range of emotional responses. Sunny days with clear skies are often associated with feelings of happiness, energy, and optimism. The warmth of the sun can lift our spirits, giving us a sense of vitality and enthusiasm for life. On such days, people are more likely to engage in outdoor activities, socialize, and feel an overall sense of well-being.
Conversely, overcast and rainy days can evoke feelings of melancholy, introspection, and fatigue. The lack of sunlight can lead to a decrease in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. This drop in serotonin can result in feelings of sadness or lethargy. Additionally, the sound of rain and the sight of grey clouds can create an atmosphere of calmness, prompting us to slow down and reflect.
However, how we respond to different weather conditions is also influenced by our individual personalities and circumstances. While some people may find rainy days dreary, others may find them comforting and cozy, providing an opportunity to relax and engage in indoor activities they enjoy. Similarly, while sunny days can boost the mood for many, they might also bring about anxiety or overwhelm for those who feel pressured to be constantly active and productive.
The interplay between weather and mood also extends to the therapeutic setting. In equine therapy, for instance, the weather can significantly influence the dynamics of the session. On a bright sunny day, clients may feel more open and willing to engage, taking advantage of the positive energy around them. In contrast, on a rainy day, clients may be more reserved, their mood reflecting the somber environment.
During these sessions, horses play a crucial role in helping clients navigate their emotions. Horses are highly intuitive animals and can sense the emotional states of those around them. They respond to congruence, the alignment between one's internal state and external behaviour. When clients are congruent, horses feel at ease and are more likely to engage positively. However, when there is incongruence, such as when a client is anxious but trying to appear calm, horses may become restless or uncooperative, reflecting the client's inner turmoil.
This ability of horses to mirror human emotions provides valuable insight for therapy clients. It encourages them to explore and acknowledge their true feelings, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional growth. For instance, a client who feels disengaged on a rainy day might observe a horse's reaction to their presence and begin to understand the underlying emotions they are experiencing.
Moreover, the weather's impact on mood is not limited to just therapy settings. In everyday life, being mindful of how weather affects us can help us better manage our emotional well-being. On days when the weather brings about feelings of sadness or fatigue, it can be beneficial to engage in self-care activities that nurture our mental health. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a favourite book, or simply allowing ourselves to rest and recharge.
Similarly, on days when the weather uplifts our spirits, we can take advantage of that positive energy to pursue activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. Whether it's spending time outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or working on a creative project, embracing the mood-enhancing effects of good weather can enhance our overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the weather's influence on our moods is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. By paying attention to how different weather conditions affect us, we can make conscious choices to support our emotional well-being. Whether it's adapting our routine to align with the day's mood or using the weather as a cue for self-reflection, being attuned to the subtle dance between nature and our emotions can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
