Sarah Moore
It is true that hot weather can heighten your anxiety levels and change your mood drastically.
A lot of people experience heightened anxiety during the summer months. Summer anxiety is actually a thing and it causes a jump in your anxiety levels with increased heat and humidity. The environment affects our bodies and moods.
Oregon climates where it is cloudy most of the time an rainy most of the year can cause a person to be very mellow, relaxed, or even depressed. California climates where it is sunny almost every day of the year can cause an increase in mood and happiness.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression related to changes in seasons. The dark winter months cause this more than the summer months.
Being in hot weather can mimic a panic attack and can even heighten anxiety levels. When you are in hot weather it feels as though you can have a panic attack at any time. If you have had a panic attack in the past it is most likely that you will be triggered by the sudden hot weather. It can recreate in your mind and your body a sense of panic.
Summer anxiety can trigger us to feel all the symptoms of a panic attack: anxious, sweaty, increased blood flow, heart palpitations, and feeling faint.
“If you do not take care of yourself when the weather is hot, you may find your anxiety symptoms escalating.” The Lantern Project
During the summer months, it is best to stay out of the heat to avoid any changes to your mental health. If you are ever in need of professional help, seek it out right away.
How to fix your summertime anxiety:
- Summer months can throw off your sleeping patterns: go to bed at a reasonable time, just because it is summer doesn’t mean that you still need to take care of yourself.
- Take cold showers and sit in AC: Cold showers can have many health benefits. 7 Reasons Why Cold Showers Benefit Your Health.
- Allergies can be killer in the summer: they can also contribute to your sleeping patterns and anxiety hormone levels.
- Get out and be active: go see some friends, do not isolate yourself.
Take the anxiety quiz now. Click here.
