After the Holiday season dissipates, it is but obvious that we look forward to our summer holidays. January is the coldest month in the UK, and lethargy will seep into our daily lives.
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In December, the days slowly start to lengthen by a few minutes each week. But when do mornings start getting longer and warmer in the UK? The weather predictions are that January is the month when we finally start to feel some warmth on our faces.
Extra hour of daylight
After turning back the clocks in October, the evenings gradually lengthen during December, culminating on December 21, 2021, the shortest day of the year (the Winter Solstice). Every day after this date, the days lengthen by an average of 2 minutes and 7 seconds.
By the 28th of January 2022, we will have an extra hour of daylight each day, and the sky will be brilliant by 7 a.m. by the 23rd of February 2022.
Benefits of extra daylight on your mood
As stated by the Velox Group, more daylight has been associated with 'improved mood, enhanced morale, less fatigue, and reduced eyestrain (Robbins, 1986).'
Many studies show that the performance and productivity of workers in office, industrial, and retail environments can increase with the quality of light.
The Independent also sheds some light on mood benefits:
British Summer Time is good for physical and psychological health, particularly in terms of relieving the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The lighter evenings are also said to reduce road traffic accidents and crime.
Mayo Clinic backs this claim and said:
These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months.Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.
