5 TIps On How To Handle Winter Anxiety
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Winter Anxiety Is A Very Real Thing

From parties to bad weather, there is a lot that can trigger your anxiety this season.

59
Winter Anxiety Is A Very Real Thing
Owned by Hilary Thompson, iStock Photo

Baby, it's cold outside. And what does that mean for those of us with anxiety? A lot. Between the stress of the holidays, final exams, and being cooped inside because of the weather, we have a lot to be anxious about. But what can we do about it? Probably more than you think.

Simplify your holidays

Don't try to cram every holiday party and family event into your schedule. It's a crazy time of year and people understand when you are over-scheduled. Schedule some time alone. Find some downtime where you can lounge in your yoga pants with a good magazine. Put it on your calendar if you have to.

Prepare for your tests

It's possible you've already completed your exams but that's the thing about college—there will be more. There are some good tips for relieving test day anxiety and you should probably follow them. Remember that preparation is everything so don't try to cram. Eat and sleep well the night before, and take advantage of extra test time if your professor is understanding. Being honest with your teachers about your anxiety may lead to more time on the test, some strategies on how to best be prepared, or possibly some insight into what will be covered. Take advantage of those office hours!

Get outside

If you're not a skier, well, snow sucks. And if you are a skier but you live in Iowa, then you're not much farther ahead in the game. Exercise is always important. But if you have anxiety, exercise is crucial. It has been found to improve mood and sleep among many other benefits. Ice skating can be a fun winter excursion with friends, and sledding is always good for a laugh if you don't ski. Local rec centers often have tracks you can walk on. Ask a friend to join you—having a friend to commit to might give you the motivation to go.

Watch your social calendar

The holidays are infamous for over-commitment. For those of us with anxiety, social situations can be exhausting. Be good to yourself. Limit parties and high-energy social situations to three a week. If that exhausts you too much, make it two. Get plenty of rest before you go out and be sure to schedule alone time for yourself afterward to recharge.

Take your medication

It is not shameful to be on medication for anxiety. If you've been prescribed medication for your anxiety, take it! It won't help you if it's just sitting in your medicine cabinet unused. And if you don't take medication and are struggling, see a medical professional to discuss your options. There are many people with anxiety who say that medication is a game-changer. If you are against medication look into meditation and exercise. Some people swear that meditation is just as good as medication for treating anxiety. The important thing is to find a strategy that works for you.

Whatever you do this winter, be good to yourself. Take the necessary steps to treat your anxiety, limit your exposure to triggering events, and be kind to yourself. You can enjoy this winter if you're prepared.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58355
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37591
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959209
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193436
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments