Personality and Seasons
by Marla Sloane, Ph.D.
Although there have been many studies done researching the climate (seasons) effect on human behavior, the results are mixed. While some individuals feel depressed in the winter months as a result of decreased sunlight, others find the cool crisp air refreshing and invigorating. Some individuals like the warm feel of the sun; they conclude that the sunlight acts as an energizer, and it gives them energy while others say the warm sun drains their energy.
My conclusion is that climate definitely has an effect on human behavior, but instead of a universal effect it is a personal preference. For example, one individual may have had wonderful experiences in the winter months such as snow skiing, cozy fireside times, and his memories of the season are positive, therefore his feelings about the season will affect his behavior. If someone had a negative experience in the winter, maybe frost bite or just being miserable in the freezing cold; his attitude will be quite different from the one who enjoyed the winter. But the big question is: how do we function in a season when we aren't at our best?
Look for something that you do like about the season. A client of mine hates New York in the winter; the snow makes it very difficult for her to get around, but she loves cashmere sweaters. Her solution: she buys at least two new cashmere sweaters at Bloomingdales every winter, and then has lunch with her buddy. She has been doing this for so long that it has turned into a tradition now.
Observe your behavior and modify your environment. Another client does not do well in the hot summer months. She feels miserable, irritable, and the hot weather makes her extremely tired. She found great solace in changing her schedule at work. She comes in earlier in the morning, and leaves before the heat is at its worst. She pays special attention to her behavior, and meditates everyday in the summer to combat her adverse reaction to the heat. She feels balanced, and has more energy at the end of the day.
Marla Sloane, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved © 2005
About The Author
Marla Sloane Ph.D., is a successful author and speaker. Her Positive Affirmations subscribers have reached world-wide proportions, and her book, The Masks We Wear and How to Live Without Them is at the heart of her teleclasses; From Ordinary to Extraordinary ... Unmask Your Potential; teaching individuals how to remove limiting labels. Marla has also produced, Trilogy of Meditations, for your Mind, Body, and Spirit, which is distributed nationwide, and in Europe.
