Self-Care for Seasonal Anxiety

Self-care has been a hot topic for many years now, as more people learn how to put themselves first and take care of their health and well-being. An empowering practice for everyone, self-care is not always about bubble baths and massages. There are many forms of self-care, including daily changes to your routine, to helping improve a specific burden in your life. For example, if you are struggling with seasonal anxiety this fall, self-care might be just what you need. Here are a few ideas.  

Go Somewhere You Find Relaxing  

Think of all the times when you felt your best, most relaxed, and fulfilled self. Were you at the beach, where you could listen to the waves crashing? Maybe you were hiking a local mountain trail to see the sights. Some people find working on their garden relaxing and soothing to their mind and body. Write a list of the places or activities that help you relax and incorporate them more frequently into your self-care routine. Writing this list can remind you of the activities you have not done in some time. Not able to go to your favorite place physically? No worries, you can do it in your mind with a guided meditation. Guided meditations can be done anywhere and provide a fast, simple, easy way to reset and balance your body and mind.  

Enjoy a Quiet Night In  

While in the fall season, it is good to get as much sunlight as you can, there are going to be days when your best form of self-care is relaxing in your home. When you enjoy a quiet night in for self-care purposes, try not to have too many distractions. Try a night of unplugging from electronics where the TV, computer, and phone remain off. Read a book, play a game with your family, cuddle with your animal companion, or sit outside in nature and enjoy the sounds of a quiet evening.  

Focus on Getting Higher Quality Sleep  

Sleep is an essential part of being a healthy and functioning human being, and lack of sleep can make your anxiety much worse. Sleep hygiene is a self-care activity that sometimes requires changing pre-sleep habits. It helps you to be more energized when you wake up, can help with your mental health, reduce stress, and so many more amazing things for you.  

Optimal sleep hygiene includes going to bed earlier, keeping your phone turned off to reduce that distraction, and EMF radiation. Make sure your bedroom is set up for a good sleep with all electronics turned off. Regular exercise like stretching, Yoga, Qi Gong, or an aerobic workout all help to improve restful sleep. Use a relaxation exercise, deep breathing, or guided meditation just before going to sleep. Even if you don’t fall asleep right away, this will allow your body to feel more relaxed and prepare itself for a more restful sleep. Keep the temperature in your bedroom comfortable and the environment quiet.  

Find Exercises You Love  

The focus is not about burning a certain amount of calories or pushing beyond your limit. If it feels like punishment, it is NOT self-care. Exercise for self-care helps release endorphins to boost your mood and relieve your anxiety and is also something you enjoy doing. Think about activities that help you feel happy and energized, like yoga, swimming, canoeing, hiking, Tai Chi, walking by a lake, park, or beach, walking your dog, or spending time with your family or friends doing fun exercise activities.  

Ask For Help  

One last thing to remember is that self-care is about doing something good for you that feels good. It is putting yourself first, and that includes taking care of your mental health. If your anxiety is not wavering and is lowering your quality of life, you don’t have to keep suffering! Often we are too close to our situation and not able to see ourselves objectively or see the big picture. One of the most empowering steps in practicing self-care is asking for help. Seeking help from a wellness practitioner, therapist, counselor, healer, or trusted friend, is one of the best forms of self-care there is.