Persistent Gloom and Sunlight Shortage: The Impact of UK Winter Weather on Mental and Physical Well-being
Since the start of daylight saving time, much of the UK has been enveloped in a persistent layer of low clouds and dense fog, influenced by what meteorologists are calling an “anticyclonic gloom.” The Met Office described this weather with four words: “dull, dreary, dismal, and disappointing.”
According to the Met Office, during the first week of November, the UK experienced an average of only about three hours of sunshine, with England and Wales seeing even less, averaging under two hours.
In the Oxford area, sunshine duration in early November 2024 was significantly below the seasonal average, with some areas experiencing minimal sunlight. However, Oxford is not the least sunny place in Britain.
That title goes to Odiham in Hampshire, which has recorded only 18 minutes of sunshine since October 28, including zero minutes this month. Altrincham in Greater Manchester has had just 24 minutes of sunshine over the past 11 days, while Belfast has seen only one hour.
Following this period of heavy cloud cover, the weather in Oxford has noticeably improved. Since November 13, the region has enjoyed several days of sunshine, bringing a welcome change.
However, the Met Office forecasts a shift in conditions by the end of November, predicting a 66-hour stretch of continuous snow and ice across the UK. This will likely impact Oxford as well, bringing intense cold and marking the full arrival of winter.
For those who are new to living in the UK, adapting to the weather can be quite challenging. Many international students who have recently arrived report struggling to adjust to the drastic change in climate, with some even experiencing feelings of sadness or depression.
On social media, people share stories of their struggles, noting that if they stay up late and miss the few hours of daylight, they might feel like they’ve spent the entire day in darkness. Others have straightforwardly remarked that sunlight is the UK’s true luxury, a precious commodity rarely in abundance.
Indeed, the lack of sunlight can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by shorter daylight hours and prolonged cloudy skies.
To help alleviate winter-related mood challenges, there are several effective strategies you can adopt.
• Maintain a Regular Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body clock.
• Spend Time Outdoors: Try to get outside daily, even on cloudy days, as natural light can boost mood and improve sleep quality.
• Engage in Quality Social Activities: Participate in group activities, whether online or offline, to help alleviate feelings of depression.
• Vitamin Supplements: Eat foods rich in vitamin D or take supplements. The UK government recommends taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily during autumn and winter. Additionally, vitamin B12 may help relieve anxiety and depression.
Image from NHS