雨と鬱 - How To Survive The Rainy Season In Tokyo

How To Survive The Rainy Season In Tokyo

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Around this time every year, when the spring breeze gradually becomes warm and moist, the clouds become heavier and there is a constant scent of rain in the air.  Japan is one of the few countries where you can experience the rainy season.  The rainy season lasts for over a month in between spring and summer and during this season, people watch the weather forecast every morning, walk around with folding umbrellas and look up at the sky with worried faces.  Japan is also known for its high suicidal rate.  Although the correlation between rain and suicide has not been scientifically proven, studies show that human beings tend to feel more depressed on rainy days compared to sunny days.  Here, I would like to list a few easy-to-do tips to keep your mind from feeling gloomy and stressed during the coming rainy season. 

Walking
Grabbing an umbrella and taking a quick walk during your spare time can be surprisingly relaxing.  The ICU campus is a great place to walk around with good music.

Reading
Reading fiction is the best way to escape your life in this world.  Live someone else’s through your books.  However, this technique could be a little too addictive when you have other things to do.

Meditating
My favorite one.  Light up a few candles and go to your iTunes podcast and search for “Meditation Oasis”.  Practice their guided meditation and when you come out of it, I assure you, the world will seem like a better place.

Sleeping
As a student at ICU, it’s hard to get all the sleep you need.  But depression is often worsened by sleep deprivation.  Try to sleep for at least eight hours every day.  Let your body and mind rest.

These tips may sound too easy, but sometimes it really is all anyone needs.  The rainy season can be dull and frustrating, but once you set a happy mind, you might realize how the flowers and trees become more colorful and how refreshing it is to smell the scent of damp soil and grass.  

Ali Hale, Seven Ways to De-Stress Instantly, May 2011
Melinda Smith, Robert Segal, Jeanne Segal, Dealing With Depression, May 2012