What You Can do for Your Fall Anxiety

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.
