Head in the Clouds:
How the Weather Affects Our Minds and Mental Health
A popular science journey into weather, mood, behaviour, mental health, awe, heat, cold, rain, snow, storms, winds, and the seasons, and the strange ways the atmosphere gets into our heads. Understand the power of nature, and how it affects our behaviour and interacts with our mental health.
“Fun, fascinating and original — a gust of fresh air!” — Tristan Gooley, author of The Secret World of Weather
Who is this book for?
This book is for you if you have ever wondered:
How does sunshine affect my mood?
Why do storms, wind, heat, and darkness change the way we feel?
Can weather worsen anxiety, depression, aggression, or sleep?
Why do rainbows, clouds, snow, and wild skies move us so deeply?
Why does hot weather make me feel more aggressive?
Why do we dream of a White Christmas?
Does the time of year of our birth affect our later personalities?
How can opaying attention to the weather help us live better and improve our mental health?
About the author
I am Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Dundee. I have written widely on language, consciousness, mental health, and the links between weather and behaviour.
• publisher: DK / DK RE • ISBN: 9780241788370
From the publisher
The weather doesn’t just change our plans – it changes our state of mind
We might glance at the forecast every morning, but the true impact of our universal obsession goes far deeper than influencing our daily itineraries. The weather is the silent architect of the psyche; it doesn’t just determine what we wear – it shapes how we think, feel, and treat one another.
Weaving together groundbreaking research with his own mental health journey, Professor Trevor Harley explores the invisible alchemy between the elements and our minds. From uncovering our unique 'weather personalities' and the link between heatwaves and aggression, to examining how the negative ions produced by thunderstorms can relieve depression and rainbows inspire awe, Head in the Clouds reveals the astonishing impact of the weather on our psychology.
Whether you want to enhance your wellbeing, navigate seasonal affective disorder, or simply appreciate the intimate connection between the human mind and the natural world, this book offers a radical new perspective. Discover how understanding the influence of the elements can empower you, turning the simple act of observing the skies into a toolkit for mindfulness, acceptance and joy – whatever the weather.
