Even though the summer is filled with sunshine and fun, your anxiety can actually increase during these months. If you don’t recognize your anxiety and get the appropriate support, you could start to struggle with sleep, poor appetite and increased irritability.
As someone who recently completed an Arizona drug rehab program, you’ll want to be careful about maintaining symptoms of anxiety so that they do not complicate your recovery.
Why Does Anxiety Rise During the Summer Months?
While anxiety does not worsen for everyone in the summer, it does for many. An online poll from AnxietyCentre.com found that 73 percent of respondents have more symptoms of anxiety during the summer. Experts believe the following factors are at play:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is typically associated with winter. While it is more common in the winter, it can also happen in the summer. That’s because SAD is a type of depression that occurs as the seasons change. Summer-onset seasonal affective disorder may include trouble sleeping, poor appetite, weight loss, agitation and anxiety.
Too much sunlight
It’s important to get enough sunlight, as Vitamin D has mood-boosting effects that can help stave off depression. However, it is possible to get anxious from too much sun. Here’s why. Sunlight switches off the natural production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for our sleep-wake cycle. If you’re sensitive to sunlight, you may not be able to sleep well.
Hot temperatures
Some people are also more affected by warm temperatures. In fact, a recent study found that some people get angry or grumpy in warm weather, as stress hormones rise in tandem with the temperature. Cortisol, in particular, can lead to irritability and even criminal activity.
FOMO
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a real thing, and it can have a negative impact on your mood and overall life satisfaction. During the winter, there are fewer activities taking place, but this is not the case in the summer. If you just completed drug rehab in Arizona, you might be missing out on some of your normal activities. This can cause you to experience FOMO, and perhaps even feel resentful toward your new life.
How to Manage Summer Anxiety
If you feel that summer is making your anxiety worse, here are some tips to help you cope.
- Limit your time outdoors on hot days, especially during peak hours. Try to spend time outdoors during the mornings and evenings instead.
- Follow your routine. Eat healthy meals, exercise daily and get a consistent 7-9 hours of sleep.
- Continue going to therapy and 12-step meetings, as recommended by your treatment center in AZ.
- Fill your days with healthy, rewarding activities that can help you fight FOMO. Also, limit your time on social media.
- Choose your activities and events wisely. Avoid places and events where alcohol will be the main focus.
- Stay hydrated. Aside from good ole H2O, there are plenty of fun, non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy like soda water, iced tea, flavored lemonade and mocktails.
If times get tough, Wolf Creek Recovery is here to help. Our treatment center in Arizona has various programs that can easily fit into your schedule. Contact our admissions team today to learn more!
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
