“A Cow On A Roof”: 50 Wild Pics Of Mother Nature Doing Things On Its Own Terms (New Pics)

When there’s nothing else to talk about, we can always rely on the weather! I mean, it’s literally always there. But have you ever stopped to wonder why that’s the go-to conversation topic? Well, according to Sentient Decision Science, one of the main reasons why is because the weather has such a strong impact on how we feel. 

We’re all familiar with the idea of seasonal depression, and it’s likely that you’ve found yourself exceptionally energized on a bright, sunny day. Discussing the topic of weather is an easy way to relate to others, as they probably feel the same way about what’s happening in the sky at the moment. And even if they don’t, you can still discuss what your ideal weather would be and why. This might tell you a lot about a person!  

If you live in a place that actually has four seasons and doesn’t have extremely predictable weather, you might need to carry a raincoat, an umbrella, sunglasses and a hat with you every day, just in case Mother Nature decides to be temperamental. But why does it seem like the weather forecast is rarely correct? I’ve been waiting around for a thunderstorm all day that doesn’t seem to be coming!

The National Weather Service explains on their site that the process of creating the forecast is pretty much the same regardless of the weather. Computer programs analyze the current conditions, and forecasters use their magic (okay, models and years of experience) to predict how those conditions will change in the future. But of course, there’s no way to be 100% sure about what the weather’s going to look like tomorrow. 

It can be frustrating to not know exactly what the skies will look like in the future, as our plans are often weather-dependent. But as we mentioned previously, the weather can also greatly impact our moods. I love a beautiful, sunny day, but once the weather is hot, I feel lethargic and lazy. I hate getting sweaty just by going outside, and I have much more energy when it’s a bit cooler. I can walk for miles without getting tired as long as it’s not hot! 

The weather can also impact your sleep cycle, as your circadian rhythm can be thrown off by a room that’s too hot or too cold. If your building's heating hasn’t come on yet for the winter, you might be shivering until the morning. And if it’s August and your home has no air conditioning, you might sweat through the whole night. To try to minimize the weather’s impact on your sleep schedule, it’s important to try to get as much sun as possible during the short winter days. And during the summer, make sure you have blackout curtains and a way to keep cool in the evenings.  

The weather can play a huge part in your mental health as well. If you’re prone to developing seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder, be sure to take vitamin D supplements and find ways to enjoy the winter. It might not be the most exciting time of the year, depending on where you live, but there’s no reason to suffer all season!

The winter months aren’t the only ones that can take a toll on our mental health, though. While many people love summer, warm weather can actually cause others to become more irritable and aggressive. (Guilty! Growing up in the blazing heat of South Texas made me despise hot weather.) In fact, shootings are more likely to occur on hot days. So make sure you find a way to keep cool during the summer, literally and figuratively!