June Gloom:

Embracing the Grey in The Golden State

If you live in Southern California, there’s one thing you can count on each late spring- the gloomy weather pattern of foggy early mornings, light drizzle, and grey skies for most (if not all) of the day.

I don’t know about you, but I moved to Southern California for warm weather and sunshine, and every year around this time, I’m feeling sort of ripped off.  Back in Pennsylvania at this time of year everyone pulling out their short-shorts and enjoying the hot sun.  I know this may sound greedy to you readers not from such a sunny clime, and it probably is.  But for those of you who feel my pain, here’s some cures for your grey day blues.

What Causes June Gloom?

A lack of exposure to sunlight causes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in colder climates, and the same thing may seem to happen during June Gloom. You might feel irritated with the monotony of grey days, lack energy or even start to feel a little blue. If you’re female and over age 20, you’re more prone to SAD symptoms, so June Gloom may affect you more too.

Our bodies rely on ultraviolet light in natural sunlight to synthesize vitamin D, but visible light also affects the body’s rhythms and levels of hormones.  Melatonin, which helps out bodies to know when it is day or night, is one hormone affected by exposure to light. 

Ultimately, I doubt that the brief grey of June Gloom is enough to really create a profound imbalance of hormones including melatonin, but it can certainly exacerbate a pre-existing condition such as PMS, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and even some components of infertility.  Not to mention your general motivation for healthy living… Bye-bye exercise, hello cafe latte and chocolate chip cookies!

Embrace the Grey to Beat the Blues

Whether you’ve lived in Southern California all your life or you’re just visiting, try accept the weather pattern for what it is – lousy weather that lasts just a couple of short weeks. Why not make the most of grey days instead of considering this a time or dread?

June Gloom is a rare opportunity to turn inward, take care of yourself, and rest up in preparation for the bright, endless sunny days ahead. 

Tips for Embracing the Grey:

• Get out- Spend time outdoors when the sun does manage to break through the gloom, and don’t avoid outdoors activities just because the skies are not blue. You can garden, walk, or head to the beach regardless of the lack of sunshine.
• Don’t Sabotage Yourself- Eat a healthy diet and exercise to keep your mood and sleep patterns in balance.
• Get a Boost- If you know you’re prone to depression or anxiety, try acupuncture which can help balance and lift your mood while supporting your overall well being.
• Hibernate- Just feel like staying in?  Plan activities that fit with the weather pattern like spring cleaning, home decorating, reading, or even shopping for a new addition to your summer wardrobe!

The weather pattern known as June Gloom is a fact of life, but it’s not the end of the world… Don’t let the grey get the best of you.  When sunshine and blue skies return, you’ll be in great shape to make the most of the summer ahead.