Talking about the Weather

Each Tuesday, I'm reflecting on how aspects of our lives and society relate to happiness and how we can increase our happiness. This week, I'm looking at the famously shallow talk about the weather finding that it might not be shallow after all and a great way to connect (and be happier).

People call talking about the weather small talk. But there’s nothing small about the weather. I mean we’re super dependent on the weather. It’s influencing our mood (rainy grey depressive vs lovely blue happy skies). It’s influencing our general well-being (hot, cold, wet, dry) and our health. The weather was once crucial for our food, making stuff grow (or not). The weather can also threaten our belongings and lives (hey there floods, storms and fires). So, by no means it’s shallow talk.

Out of Control

I believe that we talk about the weather so much not because we are shallow or we don’t know what else to talk about. Maybe. But it’s a really connecting topic. It is relevant for all of us. Yes, some of us might struggle more with weather (heat, sleep problems, headaches, depression) than others. Or maybe, those others don’t realise how their problems and moods are connected with the weather. Who knows. But this is a universal topic.

Weather happens – no matter if we complain or not. There have been experiments to influence weather. But generally, in every day situations, the weather is as it is. In other words, it’s out of our control. And yet, it has such a powerful influence over our lives. Much like world politics. Also, a topic which is often superficially treated in small talk.

Connection

The one thread throughout happiness studies and research is connection. Connection with ourselves (our emotions, thoughts, beliefs, expectations etc.), with others, with objects (like our personal belongings), animals & nature and the bigger picture (i.e. spirituality). Connection triggers Oxytocin, the bonding hormone which lowers stress levels, that again activates our Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest) saying “hey, we are safe – let’s chill, repair, process, connect and play”. Happiness.

Have a happy week!

Anja