The Seasonal Impact: How Nature Shapes Our Psyche and Actions

In this episode of the Understandable English Podcast, host Oliver explores the fascinating connection between the changing seasons and our internal states. Drawing from the British Psychological Society’s article, Seasons and the Psyche, the discussion highlights how environmental shifts influence everything from our emotional well-being to our dietary habits and even our propensity for violence.

1. Mood Fluctuations and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Perhaps the most recognized link between the calendar and our health is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Affecting approximately 2 million people in the UK, SAD is characterized by a persistent low mood, increased sleep, heightened food intake, and a lack of productivity during specific times of the year—most commonly winter. Oliver likens this phenomenon to "animal hibernation," where biological instincts drive creatures to conserve energy.

Supporting this, a study tracking Twitter users and their Spotify listening habits revealed a direct correlation between daylight length and behavior. On "brighter and lighter" days, people gravitated toward "energetic songs," whereas on shorter, darker days, the preference shifted toward "relaxed and lower mood songs." This suggests that our internal rhythm is deeply synchronized with the light levels of our environment.

2. The Link Between Weather and Violence

One of the most provocative points discussed is the relationship between temperature and physical harm. Research conducted in Philadelphia indicates that violent crime rates increase by nearly 10% on "hotter than average days." Furthermore, the study noted higher rates of "domestic violence" during the summer months. Psychologists are increasingly concerned that if global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, these patterns could lead to a broader escalation of aggression worldwide.

3. Diet, Exercise, and Cultural Influence

Temperature also dictates our physiological and behavioral responses to food. Studies suggest that warmer weather suppresses appetite; people often feel "more full faster" on hot days, leading to lower caloric intake. Conversely, colder temperatures may contribute to winter weight gain as we feel less satiated.

However, Oliver notes that not all weight changes are purely biological. There is a strong "cultural reason" behind seasonal diet trends. As spring approaches, many individuals consciously "start a diet" to "look good for summertime." This social pressure to appear a certain way when wearing "less clothes" plays a significant role in how we manage our health throughout the year.

4. Color Preferences and Seasonal Aesthetics

Finally, the podcast touches upon how seasons alter our aesthetic preferences. Our affinity for colors is often tied to environmental associations. In autumn, people often favor "yellow greenish" tones, which mirror the changing leaves. Interestingly, the same colors are often disliked in January because they are associated with "sickness" or feeling "unwell" during the post-holiday slump. In contrast, summer brings a distinct preference for "brighter colours like blues and reds," reflecting the vibrancy of the season.

Conclusion

While the degree to which these changes affect individuals varies, the evidence is clear: we are not immune to the world around us. Whether it is the melancholy of winter or the energetic shift of spring, our behaviors, diets, and moods are intricately tied to the cycle of the seasons. As Oliver invites listeners to reflect, understanding these triggers is the first step in recognizing how the natural world continues to shape the human experience.