If you are someone who is no stranger to anxiety, you probably have a list of remedies you prefer to use. However, people who are noticing anxiety more in the fall season, and don’t experience it as much as the rest of the year, it can be a little tricky understanding first what is happening, then knowing what to do about it.
Here are some super easy and effective ways to start relieving the anxiety you experience in the fall season:
Spend More Time Outdoors
Just like with people who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall and winter months, you need to get as much light and natural sunshine as you can. For many people, anxiety is from the cold, darker days in the fall and winter seasons.
If this sounds like you, then try to get as much sunshine as you can during the season, being outside more on days when it is sunny. If you live in a cold climate with mostly rainy days, then it might be time for a light therapy machine and vitamin D supplement.
Use a Journal or Planner in Your Routine
When summer starts turning into fall, this is the time when you should work on changing up your daily routine. Having a routine makes you more productive, and should be personalized to your own needs. One thing to consider adding to your routine, that can help a lot with your anxiety, is using a journal and/or a planner.
A daily planner is good for reducing stress and anxiety related to falling behind on tasks and missing important events, while journaling is good for releasing all those fears and anxious thoughts you keep holding onto.
Seek Comfort with a Hygge Practice
The Danish tradition of Hygge allows you to really embrace the quiet, peaceful environment you have in your home on cold fall days. You want to get cozy and comfortable by turning on your fireplace, reading a nice book, and getting cozy under your favorite blanket.
On the days when your anxiety is peaking, try to add more hygge to your daily routine.
Try Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are frequently recommended for different forms of anxiety, and can help with fall anxiety as well. When you start noticing your anxiety getting worse, find a quiet place where you can sit in peace for a few minutes.
Start slowly breathing in through your mouth and out through your nose. Some people like to use visualization during breathing exercises, while others will count their breaths. Experiment to see which method works best for you.
Reduce Your Caffeine Consumption
This might not be what you want to hear, but caffeine from your favorite pumpkin spice latte this season might be hurting more than helping. This is especially true for someone with generalized anxiety disorder, as caffeine is one of the top ways you can trigger your anxious thoughts and even increase your risk for panic attacks.
