Summer Anxiety: Scorching Heat Could Actually Be the Culprit

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While many LIVE for the summertime, a lot of people actually don’t enjoy it; it simply does not turn out to be the happy season they imagined it to be. This is because summer has hot, bright and longer days and one can hardly wait for winter.

With the increase in temperature comes the corresponding increase in anxiety. Studies have confirmed the increasing levels of anxiety during transitions from one season to another, with particular reference to summer. Hence, summer anxiety is not unusual.

With summer comes intense heat, and with intense heat comes dehydration with its resultant effects: irritability, difficulty in concentration and so much more. These naturally cause us to feel anxious and if we already suffer from anxiety, the season aggravates the situation. As explained by a psychiatrist, sometimes, our brain can attribute all these symptoms to anxiety rather than the heat from the scorching heat that summer brings.

The scorching heat can also affect the quality of sleep, which increases irritability. When irritable, people are prone to experience feelings of anxiety and anger. Other symptoms of heat-induced anxiety include excessive worrying, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath among others.

Having known that summer anxiety is attributed to the heat, there are measures which can be taken to reduce its effect. It is important that you get a grip on your sleep patterns. There is a need to get good, regular sleep consistently. Always ensure that you stay constantly hydrated. In addition to being hydrated, it is important to eat healthy food and keep your body in shape through regular exercise.

Consciously try to relax your body as much as possible. Deep and slow breaths should be taken when the feeling threatens to burst out. A go-to technique used for extreme cases of anxiety is “ice-diving,” where the nervous system can be reset by applying icy cold water on certain parts of the face.

Other similar methods used to handle the heat and humidity of summer include taking a cold shower, making use of the air conditioners or something as basic as going for a dip in an icy pool. All these can help manage anxiety and will help you cope with summer.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is self-care. This means that you should be aware of the times when you have such feelings of anxiety and be quick enough to do the needful. If you feel irritated, pause and do things you love. Feeling sad? Move away from whatever is causing that negative vibe at the moment. If depressed, be brave enough to seek the help of a therapist or a mental health professional. There is a need to understand what you are experiencing in order to control your body’s reaction to them.

Summer anxiety is real and speaking up and seeking help when you cannot handle it is the bravest thing that you can do; one that will definitely make a difference!

3 thoughts on “Summer Anxiety: Scorching Heat Could Actually Be the Culprit

  • September 11, 2018 at 9:57 am
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    I’m actually excited for winter. I’m tired of these harsh rays!

    Reply
  • July 29, 2018 at 1:14 pm
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    I always questioned how people could celebrate it when it is honestly one of the most worrying and dangerous times of the year.

    Reply
  • July 16, 2018 at 2:11 pm
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    I have every reason to hate summer. My friends who love this heat are surely crazy.

    Reply

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