Head in the Clouds
How the Weather Affects Our Minds and Mental Health
Published on 21. May 2026
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-0-241-78837-0 (ISBN)
Description
'Fun, fascinating and original - a gust of fresh air!' - TRISTAN GOOLEY, author of THE SECRET WORLD OF WEATHER
'This revealing and informative book combines a fascinating exploration of how weather affects our minds and moods with a deeply personal account' - GAVIN PRETOR-PINNEY, author of THE CLOUDSPOTTER'S GUIDE
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The weather doesn't just change our plans - it changes our state of mind
We might glance at the forecast every morning, but the true impact of our most universal obsession goes far deeper than influencing our daily itineraries. The weather is the silent architect of the human psyche; it doesn't just determine what we wear - it shapes how we think, feel and treat one another.
Weaving together groundbreaking research and his own deeply personal mental health journey, Professor Trevor Harley explores the invisible alchemy between the elements and our minds. From uncovering our unique 'weather personalities' to exploring how heatwaves trigger aggression, negative ions from thunderstorm relieve depression and rainbows inspire awe, Head in the Clouds reveals the astonishing effects of the weather on our psychology, mental health and behaviour.
Whether you want to enhance your wellbeing, navigate conditions like seasonal affective disorder, or more fully appreciate the intimate connection between the human mind and the natural world, Head in the Clouds offers a radical new perspective. Discover how understanding the influence of the elements can empower you, turning the simple act of observing the skies into a valuable toolkit for mindfulness, acceptance and everyday joy - whatever the weather.
'This revealing and informative book combines a fascinating exploration of how weather affects our minds and moods with a deeply personal account' - GAVIN PRETOR-PINNEY, author of THE CLOUDSPOTTER'S GUIDE
----
The weather doesn't just change our plans - it changes our state of mind
We might glance at the forecast every morning, but the true impact of our most universal obsession goes far deeper than influencing our daily itineraries. The weather is the silent architect of the human psyche; it doesn't just determine what we wear - it shapes how we think, feel and treat one another.
Weaving together groundbreaking research and his own deeply personal mental health journey, Professor Trevor Harley explores the invisible alchemy between the elements and our minds. From uncovering our unique 'weather personalities' to exploring how heatwaves trigger aggression, negative ions from thunderstorm relieve depression and rainbows inspire awe, Head in the Clouds reveals the astonishing effects of the weather on our psychology, mental health and behaviour.
Whether you want to enhance your wellbeing, navigate conditions like seasonal affective disorder, or more fully appreciate the intimate connection between the human mind and the natural world, Head in the Clouds offers a radical new perspective. Discover how understanding the influence of the elements can empower you, turning the simple act of observing the skies into a valuable toolkit for mindfulness, acceptance and everyday joy - whatever the weather.
Reviews / Votes
'Fun, fascinating and original - a gust of fresh air!' -- Tristan Gooley, author of The Secret World of Weather This revealing and informative book combines a fascinating exploration of how weather affects our minds and moods with a deeply personal account of Professor Harley's own experiences of mental health challenges. -- Gavin Pretor-Pinney, author of The Cloudspotter's GuideMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Dorling Kindersley Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 141 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight
430 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-78837-0 (9780241788370)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 07/2026
DK RED
€21.00
Not yet published
E-Book
05/2026
DK RED
€9.99
Available for download
Person
TREVOR HARLEY is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Dundee. His early interest in science led to a degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, followed by a PhD in Experimental Psychology. He then pursued an academic career in psychology, first at the University of Warwick, then at the University of Dundee where he became Head of Department and then Dean. Trevor has been obsessed with the weather since childhood, particularly with how it influences our behaviour and wellbeing - an interest inspired partly by his own struggles with mental health, including anxiety and seasonal affective disorder. Trevor has written extensively about the weather and how it affects us in academic books and journals, and is frequently interviewed on the subject for television and radio programmes, as well as by publications including The Guardian, The Sunday Times, Time Magazine and The Psychologist.