The change of seasons can be exciting, but it can also bring mood changes, including increased depression and anxiety among Americans during the colder months.
When it gets cold outside, some people may feel anxious. But there are many ways to cope with the change, and keeping your mental health strong is important. Let’s look at how cold weather and anxiety are connected and some ways to help.
Cold Weather and Anxiety
When the seasons change, your mood can change too. It is because our bodies and minds have to get used to the later sunrises, earlier sunsets, and more cloudy days in the winter. It can make you feel tired, have difficulty sleeping, have a poor appetite, and lose weight.
Sometimes when the weather gets cold, people might feel unhappy. But sometimes, this change can lead to people feeling more depressed and anxious and having seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Sometimes people have mood changes called “seasonal affective disorder” or “seasonal depression” in the winter months. A problem with your brain chemistry causes this condition. It can make you feel really sad and miserable all the time.
Calm Clinic says that people can experience more depression and anxiety during the winter months. Cleveland Clinic says that people can have several symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, including feeling depressed almost every day, anxiety, cravings, weight gain, extreme fatigue, hopelessness, agitation, loss of interest in social activities, difficulty sleeping, and agitation.
Winter Anxiety Causes
As the weather drops and winter approaches, some people’s anxiety levels may rise. The changing of seasons can be stressful for a multitude of reasons. Anxiety can be exacerbated by travel in winter weather, changes in your lifestyle, or even a lack of time spent in the sun. Some people may also be stressed if their dwellings need proper heating systems, windows, or insulation.
It’s critical to understand if you’re susceptible to these changes and if you’ve previously experienced an increase in anxiety throughout the winter. Below, we’ll look at some of the causes of winter worry and some useful techniques for dealing with and preventing it.
Anxiety about Winter Travel
There’s no denying that traveling in the winter can be stressful. According to a Michigan State University study, driving in bad weather causes an increase in tension and anxiety because accidents are more likely.
The study also discovered that flying during winter weather might be unpleasant and cause anxiety. Extreme cold and high winds can produce increased turbulence, and flight cancellations are more prevalent in the winter, raising tension and dread, particularly for people who already have anxiety when traveling by plane.
Cause: Spending less time outside.
Due to the harsh weather and freezing temperatures, it is typical to spend more time indoors during the winter. Unfortunately, this can have some undesirable consequences. In addition to reducing anxiety and depression, sun exposure and vitamin D supplementation enhance motivation and emotional well-being.
Vitamin D causes the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, which might make you feel happier. A lack of vitamin D throughout the winter can alter these neurotransmitters in brain regions associated with anxiety and sadness.
Changes in Lifestyle
It’s unavoidable that your lifestyle will alter when the seasons change, especially if you reside in a cold climate. Many people lead a more sedentary lifestyle during the winter and are less inspired to go for walks or to the gym in favor of cuddling up on the couch.
Exercise and movement have been shown repeatedly to increase serotonin levels and combat anxiety and depression. If we fall out of our workout routines as the weather changes, we may experience a shift in our mood and energy levels and increased anxiety.
Adaptation Mechanisms
There are many ways to maintain your mental health and avoid winter anxiety. Implementing these tactics before the weather changes can be beneficial if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder or winter anxiety.
Maintaining a routine with frequent exercise and healthy foods, preparing your home and automobile for the season, and finding a passion project are great tools for combating winter anxiety. We’ll take a deep dive into some winter anxiety strategies below.
A Well-Balanced Diet
During the winter, maintaining a balanced diet is more important than ever despite the cold weather. We can feel lethargic and sluggish during winter because of processed foods and sugary drinks.
Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. In addition, to compensate for the absence of sunlight, it is critical to consume foods high in vitamin D. According to Healthline, good vitamin D-rich food sources include milk, egg yolks, mushrooms, and seafood. You might also add a vitamin D supplement to your daily routine.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is a key component of living a happy, healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association advises 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. You can manage your SAD or winter anxiety symptoms by exercising, which reduces stress.
Even though you may not feel like running outside in the winter, you can try some new exercise routines. Make sure your body moves by taking a pilates or boxing class or even walking on a treadmill.
Consult a Therapist
Finally, talking to a therapist regularly might help you acquire expert methods for your specific circumstance and chat about how you’re feeling. If your winter anxiety or seasonal affective disorder is interfering with your daily functioning, it may be time to seek professional help.
