Raincouver is taking a break and you’ll probably feel happier
Posted December 5, 2017 12:03 am.
Last Updated December 5, 2017 12:05 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Open up the blinds and take a good look outside over the next week and a half.
With plenty of sun in the forecast for the Lower Mainland, clinical psychologist Dr Joti Samra says it’s going to be good mood booster for anyone dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“Absolutely. Sunny weather does amazing things for our mood. It’s a little easier to get out of bed and get going in the morning. There are measurable benefits.”
Samra says it’s not just about the sunshine.
“You can expose yourself to daylight without it necessarily being sunny. What that means is when you’re up in the morning, even though it might still feel dark or cloudy or overcast, open up your windows, make sure you’re looking out the window, and get some daylight in your eyes.”
Samra says you’ll probably notice your co-workers are a little brighter too.
“Truly, we know it is contagious and it makes us feel a little happier, a little bit sunnier, we’re a little more motivated, physically we feel a little bit more energized and that feeling is contagious, so we pick that up from other people and there’s a wonderfully positive effect that happens from that.”
The forecast is also calling for some cooler weather with potential for temperatures to drop below zero later in the week.
The City of Vancouver says the temperature felt cold enough Monday night for four extra warming shelters to open for the homeless community.
