10 Effective Strategies to Manage Autumn Anxiety

In the fall, are you grumpy, exhausted, and anxious? This phenomenon has a name, and psychologists have ideas about how to combat it.

Autumn anxiety is a surge in anxiety that some people experience throughout the autumn months for a variety of reasons. These reasons might be any of the following: the start of a new school year, tension and worry building up in preparation of the holiday season, regret for not having achieved summer goals, shorter days with less daylight can make you feel less productive, and shorter days with less daylight can make you feel less productive.

Autumn anxiety symptoms may include:

- low mood and melancholy

- excessive worrying

- anxiety

- irritation

- sleepiness/fatigue

- loss of interest in activities

*if you're suffering these symptoms all year or just in the fall, consult your doctor*

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is connected with short days and depressive moods, is similar to autumn anxiety. The biggest distinction is the time of year. SAD typically manifests itself during the winter months.

So, what can be done?

For anxiety and seasonal affective disorder, therapy can help.

In the meanwhile, try the following suggestions to see if they help you cope with days when you feel unduly worried.

1. Make your favorite seasonal soups and warm meals.

2. Get more sunlight.

3. Exercise for 30 minutes every day, even if it's simply a walk.

4. Change your perspective! Add some autumn décor to your home so you begin to associate the colors of nature with the coziness of home.

5. Try a new hobby!

6. Practice mindfulness, perhaps through guided meditation.

7. Talk to a trusted friend or family member.

8. Play soothing music.

9. Make time to put away electronics and take a vacation from displays.

10. Have a snooze.