Sasha Nikanova
Contributing Writer
Despite Santa Barbara’s fairly mild temperatures all year round, the erratic changes in the weather can still impact UC Santa Barbara students’ mental wellbeing. Identifying the problem is the first step to solving it, as The Newsroom’s Will McAvoy has famously stated, so acknowledging that the climate can have negative effects on mental health can be exactly the thing that helps students conquer their mood swings and stop procrastinating on days the weather is unpleasant. Hence why I’m writing this article. So tune in, fellow college survivors, because you are not alone in this.
As the morning fog rolls in and vitamin D-deprived students lose all motivation to attend their early classes, they often feel guilty for being unproductive, but science explains that feeling drowsy on cloudy days is a completely normal human response and cannot be consciously controlled. It is no secret that people’s circadian rhythms are primarily driven by two hormones: serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood and emotional stability, and melatonin, which is known to play a major role in sleep cycles. Less sunshine leads the human body to produce less serotonin, which is compensated by increased production of melatonin, thus resulting in a drowsy mental and physical state. See? It is actually biology’s fault.
Simply recognizing this fact is not enough to bypass the effects of bad weather on lethargic tendencies. Students like Khin Di, a third-year statistics and data science major, still have trouble. “On cloudy days, I’m more introverted, more isolated. I don’t want to see anyone … I’ll just stay home,” Di said in an interview with The Bottom Line (TBL). Rayane Belhiba, a third-year political science student, agrees with this consensus, adding, “I feel more tired when the weather is cloudy, like I don’t wanna go out, or do anything!”
Since sunlight is proven to be an essential source of energy, its absence impacts the physical health of most people. Sunlight exposure has been shown to promote the growth of strong bones, increase metabolism, support the immune system, and prevent the development of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). So, next time it is sunny, grab your friends, wear some sunscreen, and bask underneath the clear blue skies.
Interestingly, some people find themselves to be more productive when it is cloudy outside. Tilini Wijemanne explained in an interview with TBL, “I like cloudy weather … There’s nothing else to do other than school work ‘cause you can’t go outside.” Though differing levels of productivity can be attributed to personal preference, physiologically, Wijemanne still follows what science expects, as she stays relatively inactive even if she is successfully locking in on her assignments.
In terms of mood, however, Wijemanne said, “If it’s sunny, I feel more motivated to meet up with friends. I isolate myself on cloudy days, and spend time with myself.” Due to the low energy levels that a lack of sunlight can cause, many students avoid communication and isolate themselves on days that are cloudy to restore their mental strength.
Seungmin Lee, a third-year economics student, in an interview with TBL, commented on her approach to cloudy days: “I don’t want to do anything. I’m low energy. I just want to lay in bed, watch movies.” She also added that, “When it’s sunny, I am more motivated, but I also feel like I have to do something.”
Lee’s comments align with the widespread phenomenon where people are more likely to engage in indoor, low-energy activities on gloomy days and feel a heightened sense of productivity and urgency when the sun is shining. Importantly, however, studies funded by the National Insitute of Health reveal a positive correlation between physical inactivity and the risk of developing SAD. In other words, the more frequently someone is physically inactive, the more likely they are to experience symptoms of SAD. This creates a vicious cycle where inactivity leads to depression, and depression, in turn, leads to even greater inactivity. Breaking this cycle can be challenging, but it is crucial for both mental and physical well-being.
There are several individual strategies to prevent the symptoms often triggered by cloudy weather, shorter days, and colder nights — especially as winter approaches. A few universal practices can be particularly effective: engage in physical activity as often as possible, spend time outdoors, maintain a consistent and healthy sleep schedule, and make an effort to find joy in the little things. Whether it’s noticing a lone flower blooming on the sidewalk or appreciating a beautiful sunset at Campus Point, there’s always something that can lift spirits and help develop a positive mindset that is resistant to the effects of SAD.