Life is tough at the moment, but as spring draws closer and the days get brighter, a lot of us will begin to feel more hopeful. While we know that seasons can have a big impact on how we are feeling, fewer of us are as au fait with the impact the moon could be having on our emotions and behaviours.
But there are reasons why we should pay attention to moon cycles.
After all, the moon is linked to the tilt of the earth, and the tilt of the earth is responsible for seasonal changes.
The idea that nature and its forces can impact upon how we feel is not a new concept.
As far back as 400 B.C, it was widely believed that the moon’s pull impacted on human behaviour, and our ancestors would worship the moon, study it, and use it to direct their lives.
Holistic health specialist, Jules Mcgoldrick, explains why this is: “For years before the invention of artificial lighting and heating, people had to live by the light of the moon, in turn this impacted upon their routines”.
Within every 29.53 day lunar cycle the moon goes through eight phases. The four major phases are known as Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter, and Last Quarter, and these are thought to have an impact on our lives, wellbeing, and mood.
As the moon is our closest celestial body, and its gravitational pull causes the ocean tides to rise and fall every 12.4 hours, the same gravitational force is thought, by some, to affect fluids within the human body.
Mcgoldrick acknowledges the power of the moon on both the Earth and our bodies; how it moves tides, causes seasons and pulls the earth on its axis. She says: “We know there is gravitational pull on the water bodies we find on earth, yet people don’t believe that this pull will have impacts on humans, despite 60% of our bodies being made up of water.”
While the majority of scientific studies suggest there are no links, a lot of people still believe in a connection between the moon and human health.
How The Moon Can Affect Sleep
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington found a link between lunar cycles and sleep. They tracked the sleeping patterns of 98 individuals in three indigenous communities in Argentina, each with different access to electricity.
Their data saw the “lunar phase effect” on sleep was stronger when access to electricity was limited, as light and heating changed how bodies respond to the lunar cycles.
This study also showed that most people slept less during the days leading up to a Full Moon. But during the New Moon phase people were more tired, so tended to sleep for longer. This is thought to be because when the moon is both full and bright, our quality of sleep will be affected, and it will take us longer to fall asleep.
How The Moon Can Affect Mood
Some theories suggest that the Full Moon can impact upon our behavior and mental health. Intuitive writer, Jolene Trister explains: “The moon’s different cycles can impact our moods in various ways, depending on which phase it is in. It will magnify and influence our emotions and behaviours”. For example, “during a full moon, the energy can be intense, and it can bring our emotions to the surface, and magnify them, so we often feel more emotional, and sensitive.”
Managing Our Health In Line With The Moon
Mcgoldrick suggests that during a Full Moon we should avoid making big decisions as we can feel more insecure during this time. She suggests that we wait until we are feeling better and more energised. “A Full Moon can also make us more restless, so we can be more sensitive to our emotions and feel overwhelmed.” says Trister.
Mcgoldrick warns that during the New Moon phase we will be less energetic and instead we should take this time to check in with ourselves and focus on rest and regaining our energy.
Though these theories are yet to be scientifically proven, both Mcgoldrick and Trister state the importance of being aware of the moon cycles. They suggest keeping a journal to track emotions and thoughts, in line with the phases.
Finally, other ways to manage emotions during the different phases include speaking to friends to alleviate worries, having a bath to self soothe, and planning activities that make you feel good.
Whether you put emphasis on these theories or not, checking in with yourself and planning your day depending on your mood will undoubtedly improve how you are feeling, and help to make each day a bit more manageable.