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The report, commissioned by Expedia.co.uk, is based on a study of 50 participants and reveals the effects that the weather has on psychology and behaviour. It coincides with the launch of ‘Blue Sky Day’ – a giant national art event in London and Edinburgh on 21st June which aims to encourage people to break from their usual routine and get inspired.

“We’ve long suspected that blue skies make us happy but it’s great to have some research that points to a link between the colour of the sky and positive moods and behaviours. We noticed a significant difference in the participants’ responses - when the skies were blue, general self-esteem and aspects of confidence were higher and people had a more daring and adventurous attitude towards the day ahead,” says Geoffrey Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester.

Heather, an anonymous participant in the study, said, “On a blue sky day, I tend to feel much happier inside and better about myself. The world feels like a better place. Everyone is in a good mood and I feel more confident so it makes flirting much easier! I am also more motivated to head outside and exercise or meet up with friends. The only downside of a blue sky day is the extra money I end up spending.”

Hey Sexy!

On a blue sky day, people feel 12 percent more affectionate and 16 percent sexier. Inner confidence shines through as participants felt 17 percent more attractive than on grey sky days. In addition, the sky positively affects self-perceptions of body image with people feeling 15 percent happier about their weight when the skies are clear. Also looking good and deciding what to wear is more important to people than on a grey sky day but interestingly, people do not spend any longer getting ready in the morning.

Get up and glow

Physical activity and motivation are also affected by the colour of the sky. Not only did people wake up on a blue sky morning with the intention of doing exercise but people were also 15 percent more likely to actually carry out that exercise than they would be on a grey day.

Those who like to blame grey skies for their diet failures have been busted – the study shows that the presence of a grey sky over a blue sky did not significantly affect how hungry people felt, nor did it affect how much they ate that day.

Feeling Inspired?

The report showed that blue skies make people 10 percent more likely to try something ‘out of the ordinary’, perhaps explaining why people are more daring on holidays with food and activity choices. They are also 12 percent more inclined to visit a new destination or attraction that they haven’t been to before.

Blue sky days are not the best time to start learning a foreign language though – most people were less keen to learn something new.

Friends or family?

Interestingly, the Expedia.co.uk study revealed that on a blue sky day people would rather spend time with friends but when the sky is grey, the reassurance and comfort of being with family is preferred. The presence of a blue sky in the morning also makes people more socially spontaneous – participants spoke to an average of three friends on a blue sky day compared to two on a grey sky day.

The glass is half full when the sky is blue

The research confirms the well-known suspicion that, when the skies are blue, people feel happier as well as more optimistic. Blue skies increased happiness ratings by 26 percent and optimism by 23 percent, making people 31 percent more likely to look forward to the day ahead.

Blue skies are not so good for the bank balance – the study found that participants spent 20 percent more money on a blue sky day.

“It’s fascinating that blue sky days actually do make us more adventurous and spontaneous. In our busy lives, it’s important that people take the time out from their usual routines to follow their aspirations and our study highlights the fact that the colour of the sky really can inspire us,” said Caroline Cartellieri, managing director of Expedia.co.uk.

To celebrate the longest day of the year (June 21st), Expedia.co.uk has teamed up with Jodie Kidd and The National Gallery to launch the first ever ‘Blue Sky Day’ - a giant ‘paint-out’ involving over three hundred aspiring artists.

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For further information, please contact the new Expedia press office team:
Tel: 0870 990 5427
Email: expediapressoffice@golinharris.com

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