Sunset anxiety: Do you feel uneasy as daylight fades?

Hello everyone,

How are you feeling today?

Have you ever noticed a rise in anxiety or worry as the sun sets? It’s a phenomenon known as “sunset anxiety”, where feelings of unease, sadness, or stress increase in the evening hours. While it’s not a formal medical diagnosis, mental health experts agree it’s a very real experience for many people.

This type of anxiety can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Feeling like the day is “ending” without accomplishing what you hoped.
• A quiet mind after a busy day may allow anxious thoughts to creep in.
• For parents of young kids, evenings can bring the most stressful part of the day: dinner, bedtime routines, and wake-ups.
• Seasonal changes, like shorter winter days, can make sunset anxiety worse, especially for those prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Experts suggest some simple lifestyle changes might help:

1. Get outside during daylight hours, even if it’s cold, to enjoy sunlight and fresh air.
2. Move your body during the day. Exercise has powerful benefits for mood and mental health.
3. If anxiety feels overwhelming, consider speaking to a mental health professional for guidance.

Let’s talk about it:

Have you ever felt a sense of unease or sadness as the day comes to an end? How do you manage it?

Does winter and the lack of sunlight make this feeling worse for you?

What small changes, like going outside or adjusting your schedule, help you feel better in the evenings?

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You’re not alone in this, many people experience sunset anxiety, and sharing strategies can help us support each other. Let’s learn together and find ways to make evenings feel a little lighter.

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼