In today's episode, Gina answers a listener question about how longer days in the summertime can actually seem to make himself more anxious. This is contrary to the pattern more commonly observed of less light in the winter months causing more depression and anxiety. The importance of regular sleep is discussed as well as how the darkness (more plentiful in winter months) can actually provide a sense of closure and comfort at the end of the day. Listen in for advice on how to adapt to the lengthening of the daylight hours during spring and summer!Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. — Elisabeth Kübler-RossChapters0:26 Light and Anxiety5:12 Seasonal Nervous System11:46 Summer Overstimulation14:50 Calming Evening Rituals18:49 Honor Your RhythmSummaryIn this episode we respond to a listener email from Bill in the northeastern United States about how increasing daylight in spring and summer affects his anxiety. We discuss his experience of feeling more pressure to be productive, more FOMO, and more difficulty sleeping when the evenings stay light longer.We explore how light can influence the nervous system. We explain that humans are naturally attuned to sunrise and sunset, and that longer daylight can affect melatonin, energy levels, emotional regulation, and the sense that we should keep going. For some people, especially anxious or sensitive nervous systems, this extra stimulation can feel dysregulating.We also talk about the opposite experience in darker months. We note that many people feel more settled when darkness comes earlier because it creates a sense of closure, fewer expectations, and more permission to rest. We contrast that with the cultural pressure around summer to be active, social, and constantly making the most of the day.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #AnxietyRelief #NervousSystem #MentalHealthAwareness #SummerAnxiety #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #ReverseSAD #SelfCare #Mindfulness #SleepHygiene #ProductivityPressure #FOMO #HSP #HighlySensitivePerson #NervousSystemRegulation #WellnessJourney #RestIsProductive #EmotionalWellbeing #SelfCompassion #HealthyRhythms #InnerPeace #CalmMind #SpringEquinox #SummerSolstice #MentalHealthMatters #ACPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.