People are excited for autumn’s cooler weather, pumpkin-flavored treats, and warm clothes. We can start wearing leggings and cuddling up on the couch to watch our favorite football teams. Maybe your favorite thing about fall is all the fun you’ll have getting ready for Halloween.
For people with anxiety, the many changes that come with the fall can cause what is called “autumn anxiety.” Millions of people suffer from things like anxiety, which often gets worse at this time of year.
What Is Autumn Anxiety?
Seasonal anxiety is not a new idea, but the term “autumn anxiety” is fairly new. There are a lot of new things to get used to in the fall, which can be hard to deal with. You might have new classes, a new job, or overall less free time. If you know what makes you anxious in the fall, you can be ready to deal with it when it comes.
Shorter Days
One of the most important things about anxiety is how much time you spend in the sun. We have less time to spend outside as the days get shorter. With less time in the sun, there is a chance of not getting enough vitamin D. Try taking vitamin D supplements to help with this.
Exercising Less
Anyone with anxiety needs to stick to a regular exercise schedule. Your outdoor exercise routine can be thrown off by things like shorter days or cooler weather. You might have to run on a treadmill in the gym until things change outside of you.
Even if you usually work out inside, it can still be hard. Your schedule might mean that you have to get going even after the sun has gone down. In the fall, it’s important to stick to the same workout plan. Endorphins will help you deal with your anxiety. It’s better than doing nothing, whether you go for a 10-minute walk or lift weights hard for an hour.
Back-to-School Time
A new school year can be an exciting chance to start over. Whether you’re a parent trying to help your child have a good year or a new student at college, you’ll have to get used to some changes.
Getting back to school after a carefree summer is an adjustment in and of itself. When you have to balance work, school, and a social life, it can be hard on your mental health. When it all comes down to it, it can help to stay organized and remember that a lot of other people are also making changes.
How To Cope
There are a lot of things you can do at home to deal with your anxiety. In the United States as a whole, about 20% of adults have some kind of mental illness. Anxiety can make a person’s life very difficult. Practicing mindfulness and getting into healthy habits can help you deal with this and make you less worried about the upcoming fall season.
- Create a routine – Planning out your day in advance can help you deal with your anxiety one day at a time. Setting up a plan for what you want to do and what’s most important to you can help you stay on track and motivated to get things done.
- Belly and heart touch – Put your hand on your stomach and your other hand on your heart. Watch the movement and feel your body go up and down. Try letting go of all the worry you’re feeling right now. This technique can help you stop the negative thoughts that keep going around and around in your head all day.
- Tune into your body – Take a minute to get out of your head and back into your body when you’re feeling stressed. Start with your feet and move them around while paying attention to how it feels. Then work your way up, checking in with each part of your body as you go.
- Get lots of sleep – Anxiety is a big reason why people don’t get enough sleep. These feelings can keep you up at night, so if you do more to try to get a lot of sleep, your mind and body will thank you the next day.
Be Kind To Yourself
In general, this time of year is a good time to be kind to yourself. It will take some time to get used to all the changes, but before you know it, your new way of doing things will become simple daily habits.
