Psychology and the Weather of Islamabad

Islamabad is well known for its beautiful landscapes—and its notoriously unpredictable weather. But what many people overlook is how deeply weather influences not only our mood but also our mental well-being.

Research has consistently shown a link between weather and psychological health. A study by Barnston (1988) revealed that individuals with mild psychological distress tend to feel more anxious during cloudy, humid, and warm weather. Conversely, they performed better and felt more emotionally stable when the weather was sunny, dry, and cool.

Allen (1978) suggested that an optimal temperature for emotional balance hovers around 22°C. In a more recent study, economist Marie Connolly (2013) found that temperatures exceeding 32°C negatively impact overall happiness levels. Simply put, extreme weather can have a tangible effect on your mood.

Weather also affects how we relate to others. A study by Guéguen and Stefan (2013) in France found that drivers were more likely to pick up hitchhikers on sunny days. Sunshine tends to lift moods and increase pro-social behavior, such as kindness and cooperation.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a mood disorder that occurs during specific times of the year, most often in winter. Islamabad's winters, with their sharp temperature shifts—cold mornings, mild afternoons, and chilly nights—can intensify SAD symptoms. Treatment typically includes Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which help regulate serotonin levels. Physical activities like walking or running can also naturally boost serotonin production.

Pleasant seasons like spring and autumn offer indirect psychological benefits by encouraging outdoor activity. Research by Bratman et al. (2015) showed that spending 90 minutes walking in a park reduced rumination and enhanced brain activity. Similarly, Atchley et al. (2012) found that hiking boosts creativity by as much as 50%.

Managing Your Mood Through the Seasons

Given that Islamabad experiences all four seasons—summer, autumn, winter, and spring—fluctuations in emotional well-being are to be expected. So how can you stay emotionally balanced throughout the year?

Physical Activity

Low mood and sluggishness have been closely linked with low levels of physical activity (Biddle, 2000; Goodwin, 2003). Exercise increases serotonin and endorphins—“feel-good” chemicals—while decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone (Duclos et al., 2003). In fact, physical activity is considered a first-line treatment for SAD (Nahas & Sheikh, 2011).

Additionally, exercise stimulates dopamine and norepinephrine—key brain chemicals involved in mood and motivation. A study by Taquet et al. (2016) found that people in a good mood were 30% more likely to complete tasks like cleaning or organizing later in the day.

Social Activity

Social isolation is another contributor to low mood, especially in winter. A study from the University of Arkansas (TAT, 2017) reported that students often stayed indoors due to cold, gloomy weather—resulting in social withdrawal and a drop in morale.

Community engagement and social interaction are powerful buffers against emotional decline. Gregory et al. (2012) found that even superficial connections—like sharing a birthday or being placed in a group—can increase feelings of warmth and motivation. When we surround ourselves with supportive, goal-oriented people, we're more likely to mirror those positive behaviors.

Don’t let the season dictate your state of mind. Get outside, get moving, and stay socially connected. Islamabad’s four-season charm can be mentally enriching—if you navigate it mindfully.

So, being an Islamabadi, make sure that you do not isolate yourself indoors and away from friends & family during the winter-spells