Preparing to cope with times when the 'sky and rain are not favorable' is important because many feel the world is growing dim, a sensation not caused solely by the weather but also by emotions arising within. Thairath Plus invites everyone to explore five perspectives that connect the body, mind, and environment, helping us grow and embrace this season together.
Scientifically, research shows that when humidity rises and sunlight decreases—especially at night or during winter and the rainy season—the body produces more melatonin, leading to feelings of sluggishness, drowsiness, and a desire to rest. Meanwhile, serotonin, the hormone associated with happiness, drops due to reduced sunlight stimulation. These mechanisms are natural chemical reactions occurring within the body.
Understanding this mechanism helps us realize that our feelings may stem from chemical reactions in the body rather than entirely from genuine emotions, as bodily processes influence the mind more than we often recognize.
Therefore, coping during this time can involve indoor lighting techniques, such as using warm orange-toned lights instead of cool white ones to trick the brain into producing happiness hormones and stabilizing mood. This helps the brain feel relaxed and cozy. Additionally, consuming mood-enhancing foods like bananas or a piece of chocolate can effectively replenish energy lost from lack of sunlight.
From another perspective, since the body produces more melatonin, we should use this time to rest and spend more time with ourselves. Moreover, the steady rhythm of rain sounds helps slow brain waves into a relaxed, stable state, allowing us to return to our personal safe space.
Anthropologically, rain sounds have been described as signals for rest because, in the past, storms hindered hunting and warfare. People then believed the rainy season was a time to hide away, rest, and stay indoors.
Therefore, coping during this time can be as simple as allowing ourselves to feel what we do, granting permission to pause from the hectic outside world. Fully resting, watching favorite series, or listening to music while rain falls outside are all suitable activities during this period.
Philosophically, instead of trying to mask sadness with forced cheerfulness, Jean-Paul Sartre, an existentialist philosopher, suggests we confront sadness directly. Allowing ourselves to feel as the heart desires is a human freedom, enabling us to choose and define the meaning of our lives.
Whether choosing to watch sad series or movies, reading books that delve into feelings during rainy days, or embracing loneliness and sorrow, expressing pent-up emotions can help heal the mind better than suppressing feelings, which can lead to stress buildup later.
Allowing ourselves to face sadness is part of what makes us more human, as we all possess our own lives, feelings, and needs.
The Japanese philosophical concept of Wabi-Sabi teaches us to appreciate beauty in imperfection, simplicity, and impermanence. Rainy days may test our expectations since humans tend to cling to perfection and fixed plans. Rain may cause delays, discomfort, and disruptions to our arrangements.
Practicing reduced expectations, accepting, and letting go of uncontrollable changes helps us live less stressfully and see new perspectives. The beauty of rainy days may not lie in clear skies but in the slower rhythm of our lives.
On days when the weather is unfavorable, we may need to adjust plans suddenly. After work, we might wait for the rain to stop, find alternative activities, or catch up on pending tasks. If going out isn't possible, we can do indoor activities or reorganize parts of our home. If commuting isn't feasible, working from home or taking a day off to rest and reconnect with ourselves is also an option.
Research indicates a deep connection between physical warmth and emotional warmth, especially on rainy days when temperatures often drop. This not only affects the body but also intensifies the heart's longing for warmth and safety.
Small daily adjustments—drinking warm beverages, wearing thicker clothes, using aromatherapy with scents like fresh earth after rain or warming herbs—can relax the nervous system. Socializing and talking with friends or loved ones also create emotional warmth, reducing feelings of loneliness and fostering psychological security.
Surviving days when the weather is unkind isn't about escape but acceptance and understanding of nature and situations beyond our control. Feeling lonely, sad, or tired on rainy days are all emotions that deepen our humanity.
Try turning rainy days into 'rest days' for your soul. Don't chase exhausting dreams or goals. Let life’s pace slow like raindrops outside your window and take time to listen to your inner voice. After the storm passes, you'll be ready to start anew with a stronger heart.