Downcast moods at certain points in the day - Your input? (depression, exercise)

[robertpolyglot]

This may sound weird, but I tend to get bummed in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. There's something about the horizontal and very "orange" intensity of the sun that almost gets me depressed...it's only lasts for about a 2 hour window. Obviously, on an overcast day, this is a non-issue.

I'm at my best in the morning, always having taken 8 am classes in college. I'm fine during most of the day and at night time. I might be kind of rusty in the early afternoon if I have a big lunch, but I snap out of it.

Does anyone else experience this? Is it a condition or a phenomenon? Looking forward to some input.

[pushkinswife]

Very nice topic! Well I am the opposite of you. I am at my WORST in the day time, I tend to thrive the most after 6pm. I am numb and zombie like in the morning and semi-awake in the afternoon. Oh, and 8am classes in college? Lets just say I had them too but in between that class and my lab I'd be napping in the social room or in my dorm. I love the sunlight but there is something about the night and the lights of the city that make me want to just get out and go somewhere. I love the night time. My city is sleep now and me, well I am just getting started. I have some chamomile tea right now- it usually helps me wind down for I work during the day and need sleep. A glass of wine helps too. This is a very cool phenomenon. I wonder if it could be linked to genetics or maybe our parents behavior. As far as my mood when I wake up, well lets just say Dr. Evil has nothing on me

[rubyskye]

Originally Posted by robertpolyglot

This may sound weird, but I tend to get bummed in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. There's something about the horizontal and very "orange" intensity of the sun that almost gets me depressed...it's only lasts for about a 2 hour window. Obviously, on an overcast day, this is a non-issue.

I'm at my best in the morning, always having taken 8 am classes in college. I'm fine during most of the day and at night time. I might be kind of rusty in the early afternoon if I have a big lunch, but I snap out of it.

Does anyone else experience this? Is it a condition or a phenomenon? Looking forward to some input.

That's so interesting. And it doesn't seem like a condition that has to do with a lack of light since it's only that window of time when the sun is setting.
I don't really know but if you're inclined to be either meditative or contemplative, i'd use that time to be really quiet and just sit with yourself .... as opposed to trying to avoid the feelings or distract yourself from them.
It sounds like there is something really poignant for you about that setting sun. It could be for any number of reasons. It's actually poetic. If you could perceive it not as a bad or negative thing that would be helpful. Just be observant and objective as you check out what's going on within you.
Feeling blue is not a bad thing ... it's just part of being human but usually people do anything and everything to distract themselves from this kind of thing. And sometimes, if you can be quiet and still in these times of sadness, blueness, depression, low energy, etc., inspiration arises.
And I don't know if you're male or female so this might be (i don't want to assume) making you squirm if your a man.
So that's what comes to mind.

[Élan vital]

nice topic. I always awake a bit anxious. Any panic attacks I have are typically in the mornings. I don't enjoy really sunny days. I love rain storms. Evening time, sun setting are my best times. I'm relaxed and feeling happy.
Now get this-- I'm alway always blue,sad,down,depressed on Sundays. Especially Sunday evenings. Always have been for as long as I can remember back to childhood. I think that one might stump even a therapist.

[jennaflorrie]

I am terrible in the morning! Feel dazed almost!! In the afternoon I start to wake up and I'm at my best early evening and late evening.

I think you are experiencing your down time. We all have them. I wish I was an early bird - my sister is up at the crack of dawn and loves the morning. But by 9pm she is winding down and if I ring her for a chat at 10pm she just mumbles. Yet, she's called me to chat at 8 am and I have just said "Not now, call back......" and put the phone down like a zombie.

We just have to work with the way we are. I doubt we can change it.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by robertpolyglot

This may sound weird, but I tend to get bummed in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. There's something about the horizontal and very "orange" intensity of the sun that almost gets me depressed...it's only lasts for about a 2 hour window. Obviously, on an overcast day, this is a non-issue.

I'm at my best in the morning, always having taken 8 am classes in college. I'm fine during most of the day and at night time. I might be kind of rusty in the early afternoon if I have a big lunch, but I snap out of it.

Does anyone else experience this? Is it a condition or a phenomenon? Looking forward to some input.

I have the same thing. For me it's 5 p.m. It's like this black cloud just comes over me. I've tried to figure it out, but to no avail. I just put up with it, but I think a good distraction or even exercise (probably would be the best thing I could do for me, as it raises those endorphin levels) might help.

[Suzet2262]

I am worse at night. I love watching the sunset, it is my favorite time of day..But when it gets real dark, that is when my anxiety level gets very high. I dont know why either. I can go pretty much all day without having a full blown panic attack, but when night roles around, it is like the anxiety monster comes out. I dont sleep either. I will stay awake almost everynight till 5 or 6 am, when the sun starts to come up, then I might fall alseep for a few hours and then I get up and start my day. I have been like this for years. It is really frustrating.

DreamWeavin, I dont enjoy sunny days either. I would much rather have the clouds and rain. Being from So Cali, I dont get much of that. I tend to hybernate during summer. Heat, really bad heat, makes anxiety worse. So I stay in. Aint life grand...lol.