Anxiety & Sunburn

In the UK we are currently experiencing some fantastic sunny weather (and may be deemed the warmest Spring on record 😬).

As lovely as this weather may be, it can have a knock on effect for those who experience anxiety.  You've probably seen those reminders on social media to stay hydrated especially when taking anti depressants, yet there is another element during these sunny climates we can forget.

When anxiety decides to make its presence known and your nervous systems has put you into fight or flight mode, your thinking brain starts switching off.  Your mind and body are now focused on keeping you alive.  

You may no longer feel the heat of the sun on your skin resulting in sunburn!  

If, like this Spring, we have the wall to wall sunshine this Summer, try to be mindful of how easy it is to lose your senses.   

Try techniques such as:

• Talking to someone, letting them know anxiety is present for you
• Breathe in for the count of 7, breathe out for the count of 11 (Do shorter if you need to, just ensure the out breathe is longer than the in breathe).
• Listen to music that will help calm your nervous system
• Move your body.  I get it, this is completely against what your nervous systems messages.  Anxiety is energy that needs shifting, movement is one of the best ways to do this.

 When we find a way to calm down our nervous system, we are able to think more clearly and take care of ourselves.

Did you know when we have suffered sunburn your body acts like it has received burns (albeit UV)  and therefore your immune system is now working hard to repair the damaged and inflamed skin.   If you already have a low immune system, it is now working on overdrive and may delay the healing processing or the ability to fight any additional infections that may be attacking the body! 

 *The image isn't me and yes I did get sunburnt!