It’s fabulous weather here in Leeds at the moment! How does it affect your sense of wellbeing? Take our poll!
This amazingly beautiful weather can be a godsend but it can also act as a trigger and leave me feeling that I should be living a different life…
Over the last few days I have had an increased sense of relaxation and generally felt healthier and happier. I’ve been eating more fruit and salads and my energy has increased. I’ve been trying to harness this increase in energy and be more active – which has involved undertaking a new morning ritual of a ‘Mini-run’ along with a spot of yoga, my own brand ( a few stretches in the flat! ).
However sunny days have also been known to trigger me into thinking that I should have my life more on track, more organised, more settled – just somehow different ! Perhaps perfect? These thoughts come with the sense that if things were different that I could embrace the day in technicolor . In the past I have felt this acutely. A sunny day can sometimes bring sadness to the forefront.
Here’s a little poll to take part in, not to be taken too seriously – just a little bit of fun, and food for thought!
Embracing the present regardless of problems…
Living in the present, is something I strive for and practicing Mindfulness has helped me with this. Noticing a beautiful flower, taking time to appreciate an exquisite fragrance and feeling the warm breeze on my skin can really help me appreciate the moment! (I even attempted wearing shorts yesterday, only to the nearby post box I hasten to add.)
Seasonal changes do influence my mood, being aware of this helps me remain objective and keeping a sense of stability is something I aim for. I must admit I find this a much easier task in the sunnier months. However at times, especially my younger self – has had the tendency to be a little bit too hyper with too much sun. But I do love the outdoor life which seems so much easier to access in the sunshine. I also adore the increased sense of community that comes with the summer months.
Vicky
Leeds Wellbeing Web 
I like the sun and being able to sit in the garden but I’m also finding that the heat is making me sleepy and feel more fed up; like you it’s making me reflect *too much* on my life and the things I’m not doing..
LikeLike
HI Carrie, thanks for your comment – you describe it well. For me it can be a double edged sword too. Perhaps I’d be better in ‘eternal spring?’ Summer definitely puts me in a different ‘head space’ but I think being aware of this helps me (I think?). I too feel a little bit more sleepy, gives me a bit of a drifty feel. Although I appreciate it too. Thanks again Vicky xx
LikeLike
Hi Vicky, Thought provoking post, problem seems to be UK heat waves seem so erratic, body and mind don’t have time to adjust, and we are still expected to function at the same level of productivity as when it’s a cooler time of year. I love all our seasons, blue skies and sunshine on the whole cheers me up, but today’s sun and heat made no improvement to a low mood hanging over me, except as the sun started to set and cool breezes lifted the oppressive humidity, Life does seem full of these contradictory feelings, well done for blogging through it.
Zelda
LikeLike
HI Zelda,
Thanks for your comments, very well articulated. I think it has actually heated up since earlier, I’ve just been on a jaunt to the garage, which is the nearest shop and it certainly is humid! You are right with regards to productivity – I just want to pack any thoughts of work or problem solving in and head for the coast and feel the sea air, maybe heatwaves and cities don’t mix too well, unless of course it is a coastal city, which it ain’t. But still am hesitant to complain, but I do wish that I had a balcony tonight, and could stare out at the stars and experience the warmth of the evening reclined.
Sorry to hear about your low mood, but glad that the cooling breeze helped lift it a little, as George Harrison sang so well ‘ All things will pass’ (i think he did anyway?)
LikeLike
I just love the hot weather. I was a thin kid with bad circulation and I seemed to have a permanent cold every Winter. When it’s hot just walking to the shop is such a pleasure. Millennium Square looks like Barcelona, Woodhouse is like the South of France. Bring it on, I say…..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Vcl3QJSVA
LikeLike