Hi there! This is my blog post number 2 on my inquiry question: “How does the changing season from summer to fall and winter affect our mood, what we eat and what we do?” In this blog post, I will talk about my three steps to research the relations between changing seasons and our brain, with a brief explanation for each. I will also be providing 5 valid sources that I could potentially use to address my question and explain how my question may make an impact for both me and my community.
My Inquiry Question: “How does the changing season from summer to fall and winter affect our mood, what we eat and what we do?”
Three steps for my research:
1. Understand the Science behind seasonal changes and the relations it has with the brain: For my first round of research, I am planning on researching how the brain and the body respond to seasonal changes. I will investigate hormones such as melatonin and serotonin, which are affected by sunlight exposure and examine how these hormones can influence our mood, sleep cycles, and energy.
2. Research on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how it impacts our mental health and everyday life: In the second round of research, I will focus more on Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a condition that often appears in fall and winter when there is less daylight. I will try to research symptoms, causes, and treatments, as well as how SAD is different from general mood changes. Learning more about this condition will help me connect seasonal changes to real mental health conditions.
3. Investigate how people can adapt and adjust to stay healthy and happy during seasonal changes: For my last round of research, I plan to research how people can adapt their habits to stay healthy and happy during the darker months, such as January. This could perhaps include looking into nutrition, light therapy, and exercise that can help improve mood for people. I am also planning on looking up communities or countries that promote mental wellness during seasonal changes.
Why this question will have implications for both me and my community:
This question will have implications for both me and my community because I sometimes notice that weather changes can have an impact on my mood and motivation to do things. Sometimes, when the weather is gloomy, I feel less motivated to do activities than on days that are bright and sunny. By learning more about how our brains respond to seasonal changes, I can better understand how to conquer these impacts the weather has on my mood throughout the year.
For my community, this topic is important because many people may experience SAD. Understanding the science behind it and increasing public understanding will help raise awareness of SAD. Workplaces that are aware of SAD can also use these to track employees’ well-being and create healthier environments, for example, by improving lighting, having outdoor breaks, or offering wellness programs to support mental health. Moreover, by addressing the stigma around mental health and increasing public understanding, we can have a more supportive environment for people living with conditions like SAD.
Sources I could potentially use:
Thank you for reading!
Hi Isabella, I have often thought about the specifics of this subject too and I’m curious to read what you find. I know that many people with SAD end up moving somewhere sunnier. You could mention this in your third step how to adapt and adjust. Here’s an article I found about the best places to move to when struggling with SAD
https://www.housedigest.com/1130445/the-best-city-to-live-in-if-you-have-seasonal-depression/
Hello Isabella,
I found your blog post captivating! I love how you chose to do research on an authentic question, a topic that is not commonly talked about. The first round of research with you discovering how both the brain and body react to seasonal changes is a superb point to include. I find this subject very interesting, and cannot wait to read more about your findings. In addition, I also like how your last round of research investigates ways in which people can adjust to these seasonal changes in order to remain at an optimized state of well-being. I can personally connect to this topic as I myself sometimes find that my mood fluctuates depending on the season, and weather outside. Therefore, I am excited to learn more about this subject matter in your upcoming posts. One recommendation I would make is to create bold titles for each sub-question before you provide your information. By doing this, readers will have an easier time to follow and distinguish sub-questions apart from information. Otherwise, your work looks very promising! Looking forward to your upcoming work. I’m sure the future projects are going to be splendid!
–Vanessa Vukovic