Understanding Dog Day Feelings

The traditionally defined middle of summer, the 4th of July, has passed and like our furry best friends (at least for man) we lounge, slow and look forward to a change in routine in personal living as we think about Fall. It’s true, the bite of summer heat nips at our motivation and pleasure centers as the days of summer wear on. Going back centuries, the Greeks and Romans defined the end of summer as maddening mood months that could drive one toward negative thinking. The combination of persistent heat, diminished activity and yearning for something different challenges even the summer sun worshipers to call for something new.

A climate study conducted by the University of Michigan found that 72 degrees Fahrenheit was the temperature for optimal self comfort and personal activity. The concept of comfort goes beyond body temperature regulation and involves our moods. The study found in both the cold (less than 72) and hot (over 72) seasons people become susceptible to mood disturbance. As humans we spend an astounding 93% of our life in doors. When you think about it, our preference for controlled and comfortable surroundings set at around 72 degrees is quite natural. A question ensues, is this behavior resulting from our desire to stabilize our mood, ensure our physical comfort, or maybe both? Regardless the reason, in the heat of summer we expend energy to preserve comfort and experience the anxiety of ever changing physical conditions. Finding ourselves in the exhausting state of physical regulation and de-regulation–no wonder we sometimes feel exhausted.

I would like to suggest the anticipation of seasonal change is a positive and natural personal experience that occurs as a result of “dog day” feelings involving our biological and emotional self. Change of seasons forces us to address this readiness while offering the chance, within dog day feelings, to anticipate a guaranteed time for renewal. Quite possibly, the “dog day” mood we experience represents a natural inclination toward positive anticipation and preparation for change. We should learn a valuable lesson from our four legged friends, raise your head move from your sullen/passive position, get off the porch and explore new possibilities found in a new season. A GIFT: seasonal inclination toward hope and renewal—COOL! I encourage you to seize the transitioning summer moment and embrace your natural inclination toward something new while refreshing your daily routine.

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