Autumn anxiety: how to deal with it

Autumn has arrived, and while some enjoy the cooler weather and longer nights, others suffer a dip in their mental well-being. If you have lately experienced elevated anxiety levels, you may also be struggling with the complaints of autumn anxiety. This article helps you to discover beneficial tips for managing your anxious thoughts.

What causes autumn anxiety?

It is important to understand the cause of symptoms related to autumn anxiety. When we transition from summer to fall, the days become darker and shorter, reducing our exposure to sunlight. As a result, our serotonin levels decrease, and we produce less vitamin D. Serotonin and vitamin D are critical for our mood, appetite, and biorhythm. In addition, with limited sunlight exposure, the body produces more melatonin. This hormone is one of the causes of daytime sleepiness and feelings of depression.

Of course, other factors might also trigger autumn anxiety. For instance, think of starting a new school year, taking on new projects at work, or recovering from a busy summer. These events take a lot of energy and are exhausting. Also, people tend to engage in fewer physical activities in the fall than in summer, which will hurt their mental state.

Tips to relieve anxiety in autumn

Several techniques can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Some key points to consider are:

- Spend more time outside. Spending time outside will ensure adequate vitamin D intake and help to regulate serotonin levels. Lack of sunlight is the primary cause of autumn anxiety. Create a new habit of getting outdoors every day, regardless of whether the sun is shining; the fresh air outside will provide a noticeable boost to your well-being.

- Exercise every day. Of course, you do not need to do a full workout every day. Start riding your bike to work or taking a walk after dinner for about thirty minutes each day to help alleviate the effects of anxiety. 

- Daily exposure to cold. Cold showers, ice baths, cryotherapy, or a brisk walk without warm clothing - all help you to reduce anxiety and promote calm. Anxiety commonly results in an elevated heart rate and high blood pressure, but exposing your body to cold lowers the heart rate and improves blood circulation. Being exposed to cold also helps to release extra endorphins, a stress-reducing hormone.

- Find peace with breathing exercises. During episodes of anxiety, it is likely that you are not breathing correctly, which can make your symptoms even worse. By practicing more appropriate breathing techniques, you will be able to reduce your anxiety levels to help you cope with the situation.

Obviate autumn anxiety with the Wim Hof Method

The Wim Hof method can help you find relief from autumn anxiety by transforming negative thoughts into positive feelings. A large number of previous participants have already become free of anxiety, in addition to experiencing physical benefits. The method helps to regain control of both body and mind again. Begin your e-learning today by starting our Fundamentals video course and discover peace of mind.