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Lynn Crilly
Wellbeing Correspondent
12:00 AM 5th October 2024
lifestyle

How To Deal With Autumn Anxiety

 
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay
As Autumn starts to make its way in with shorter daylight hours, colder weather and the prospect of the long winter months that lay ahead, some people may find themselves feeling a bit low and or even anxious. This is often called Autumn Anxiety.

As Autumn turns to Winter people can often find themselves feeling tired, unmotivated, irritable and low. This can be attributed to the changes in the amount of sunlight that we are exposed to as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer. It is believed that less sunlight affects the production of serotonin and melatonin in some people which could cause challenges with mood and sleep coupled with the topsy turvy world we have found ourselves living in, which can amplify these feelings, The ongoing cost of living crisis will no doubt add to people's worries this winter.

Autumn can also be the peak time for many viral illnesses, the colder weather can suppress the immune system and increase your vulnerability to infection. Viral infections are easily transmitted and can affect young children, the elderly and those with poor immune systems with dangerous consequences.

Of course, being aware of how you are feeling and identify what is causing this unease will help you to look at and change some of the things that will hopefully ease some of the burden that is weighing you down ahead of the next few months

Here are some ideas that do not cost very little yet can make a big difference

GET MORE LIGHT: Try and spend more time outside in the daylight hours, even if it means going to bed earlier so you can get up early and take in the morning sunshine, whether going for a walk, sitting outside wrapped up with a cuppa or pottering in the garden.

SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE: Any spare time you have, take yourself off to the local park, beach or open space and take a book or just sit and take the peace and quiet in amongst the birds and local wildlife.

TRY SOMETHING NEW: Starting a new hobby, routine or ritual in the Autumn can help yu to reframe the changes in seasons as not all negative, It doesn’t have to be expensive, jigsaws, knitting or any other craft can be fun and therapeutic and a trip to the local charity shop to see what they have can not only be fun but keep the cost down while giving to a good cause.

EXERCISE: I am a huge believer in exercise to add a positive mind. You don’t have to run a marathon or sweat It out in a gym, walking, cycling, cleaning the car or gardening are all forms of exercise that will help to keep those endorphins flowing

EAT WELL: Salads and other light meals are often replaced with hot carb loaded meals. It is worth looking into eating as much fresh food and vegetables as possible as they do have more nutrients and goodness than pre packaged and processed foods and will have a more positive impact on how someone is feeling.

PLAN THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Have a couple of things in the diary that you would look forward to whether it be an evening with friends or family, a trip to a museum, or something else that you would enjoy either alone or with company.

If you feel that your mood or feelings are not improving or even getting worse, then please do not sit with them, seek some help whether through a charity helpline, an online app, self help books or your GP, remembering there is always someone ready to listen

If you do need support or help then please call The SANEline 0300 304 7000 open between 4pm and 7pm 365 days a year.

For more free advice visit www.lynncrilly.com