The good weather … and this funny discomfort
The scenario is familiar: after days of greyness, the sun finally comes back. Around you, everyone comes out, immortalizes their day in stories, and talks about it as a moment not to be missed. Meanwhile, you stay inside … and doubt settles: “Why am I not outside like everyone?“.
This feeling has a name. American psychologist Nadia Teymoorian baptized her solar guilt – This feeling of regret that arises when you choose the shadow of an interior rather than the light of a radiant sky.
An Fomo in full sun
If solar guilt takes on as much magnitude, it is because it feeds on a well -known phenomenon: the FOMO, the fear of missing something. Social networks amplify this impression that everyone is enjoying a perfect moment … except you.
On Tiktok, the influencer Renee Reina popularized this feeling: “It is abnormally beautiful outside, but I am tired. So now I feel forced to go for a walk and enjoy the weather … In the end, my day is spoiled”.
According to some surveys, almost half of adults have already felt it. Among the youngest, it is even more frequent: 65 % of Gen Z and 66 % of Millennials admit suffering, often with anxiety or stress.
When biology gets involved
This discomfort is not only psychological. The change in weather leads to a real hormonal upheaval.
In winter, the body produces more melatonin, the sleep hormone. The sudden arrival of light stimulates serotonin, linked to well-being. Result: an adaptation time is necessary, often accompanied by unusual fatigue.
Added to this is the time change, temperature variations and, for many, persistent deficiencies in vitamin D, magnesium or iron. So many factors that can slow down the momentum to go out, even under a large blue sky.
Free up solar guilt
The good news is that there is no weather obligation. Staying at home for a day of great sun is not a failure, and even less a fault.
Some tracks to loosen the noose:
- Listen to: If resting, it is legitimate to stay safe;
- Talk to each other with kindness: “I do my best today, and that’s enough”;
- Take sunny doseseven on a balcony or walking for a few minutes;
- Transform its activities into active moments : stretching, outdoor telephone calls, improvised mini-stew;
- Support your energy with a nutrient -rich dieta good sleep and a regular rhythm.
Spring is long. Picnics, terraces and walks will not disappear. You can fully enjoy it the day when the desire will be there.