Hello there! This is my last and final blog post for the inquiry project surrounding the 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 be reflecting on all these blog posts that I have written and answering some questions related to them.
- What challenges did you overcome throughout this inquiry project? How did you go about
overcoming these challenges?
One challenge that I faced through this project was understanding and explaining scientific information related to the brain and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some of the research articles included lots of complicated and technical concepts and words such neurotransmitters, serotonin levels, and circadian rhythms. At first, it was difficult for me to understand how these processes worked and how they connected to seasonal changes. However, I overcame this challenge by spending some extra time reading through multiple different sources and breaking down the information I got into simpler ideas that I could use in my blog post.
Another challenge I had was in connecting my scientific research with real-life experiences and behaviors. My inquiry question focuses on mood and how seasons affect what people eat and what they do. Due to this, I had to think carefully about how the science behind sunlight, brain chemicals, and sleep cycles influence everyday habits such as physical activity, food choices, and social interactions. I was able to overcome this challenge by planning the steps for my blog posts. I would first learn the science behind seasonal changes, then research about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and finally, look for ways people can stay healthy and happy during the darker months.
b. How did this inquiry change the way you think?
This inquiry project changed the way I think about how strongly the environment can affect human health and behaviour. Before this research, my understanding of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was limited, and I was aware only that individuals occasionally experienced sadness or fatigue during winter. Through this inquiry project, I gained a lot of new information around Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the influence of diminished sunlight on brain chemistry, specifically the impact on serotonin and melatonin, which are critical in regulating mood, sleep, and energy. Consequently, this can lead to feelings of sadness or despondency in certain individuals during the darker months. Furthermore, this project has changed my perspective on mental health. I came to recognize that conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder are significant medical issues that can affect individuals’ daily lives, often impairing their capacity to concentrate, learn, and maintain motivation
c. How did this investigation impact your future decisions?
This investigation will impact my future choices around my health and daily practices, especially through the autumn and winter months. Having a lot of information around the effects of diminished sunlight on both mood and energy, I now know the significance of having routines during periods of reduced daylight. Consequently, I will try to increase my outdoor exposure during daylight, remain active physically, and have a balanced diet. Furthermore, I discovered that consistent sleep patterns, regular exercise, and social engagement all can contribute to the maintenance of mental well-being during seasonal transitions.
d. What impact will this investigation have on others locally and/or globally?
This investigation is important both locally and globally because seasonal changes affect people differently depending on where they live. In northern regions, such as Canada, winter months often include shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, which may increase the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder or other mood-related challenges. By increasing awareness about how seasonal changes affect mental health, communities will be able to encourage and support healthy habits such as outdoor activity and social gatherings during the winter months.
Globally, this research also shows how many environmental factors can influence human health. As awareness about mental health continues to grow, understanding conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder can help encourage people to seek help or treatment when needed. Sharing methods such as light therapy, exercise, healthy nutrition, and maintaining routines can help individuals around the world manage seasonal mood changes more effectively.
Overall, this inquiry project helped me better understand the connection between environmental changes, brain chemistry, and mental health, and I had a fun time doing all my blog posts! I have also learned how scientific research is really connected to everyday life to help people stay healthy and maintain good mental health throughout the year.
Thank you for reading!