Summer is on its way, so as the hot, sunny days spread into longer evenings. Everyone is happy and in the holiday mood.

Actually that isn’t the case for everyone. Some people find their anxiety worsens during the summer period. Certain anxiety sufferers find that as summer progresses, the increased temperatures can induce effects which are similar to anxiety symptoms. These might include sweating, tiredness, nausea, dehydration, restlessness, palpitations and shortness of breath. Add on to this that the rest of the population seem to be out having fun in the sun with entertaining, picnics and trips to the coast and the pressure is on!

So, how can you help yourself get through the summer season?

1. Keep your body cool by wearing loose, cotton clothing. Choose light colours that reflect heat rather than dark ones that absorb it.
2. Use a fan to keep the bedroom cool at night.
3. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is known to trigger anxiety.
4. Stay out of the kitchen. Summer is not the time to be whipping up casseroles and roast dinners. Swap them instead for salads and lighter meals.
5. Take cool showers or fill the bath with cool water that you can dip into throughout the day.
6. Spritz yourself. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and spray yourself for an instant cooling effect.
7. Keep windows and curtains closed through the hottest part of the day. Open up when the sun has gone down.
8. Try to avoid going out in the heat of the day, between 10am and 3pm is when the sun is at its hottest.
9. Go barefoot when possible. Footwear will make your feet sweat which then raises your overall body temperature.
10. When away from home, wear a hat and be armed with a pocket fan and cool water.

Last but not least, don’t be too hard on yourself. This will just make things worse. Other people may be out having fun and mingling around the barbecue but right now it’s your mental health that is important. Talk to yourself kindly and be patient.  Your life is a work in progress. Practice positive thinking on a daily basis in the knowledge that changing the way you think takes time.  Stop comparing yourself to others. Accept yourself for who you are. We all have good and bad qualities as we are all individuals. Simply focus on being the best version of you.

If you feel that you need a bit more help or support for your anxiety then please email us on sarah@nopanic.org.uk  Or if you would like to work on your recovery from any anxiety disorder then maybe you would like to take a look at our one to one mentoring service.