Winter anxiety: why your heart rate rises and how to look after yourself

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Caring for the entire body is crucial during the winter season. Sometimes, despite careful precautions, the entire body suddenly begins to shiver, hands and feet become cold, and speaking becomes difficult. These symptoms can make it difficult to understand what's happening and what to do next.

This is called "winter anxiety" or "cold-induced panic," a condition few people know about. Winter anxiety can have many causes, but the main one is a sudden change in body temperature. When the body's normal temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, the body begins to shiver and muscles rapidly expand and contract. This also affects blood circulation, leading to anxiety and sweating.

Winter anxiety isn't just about the body, but also the mind. During winter, the stress hormone cortisol increases rapidly, leading to feelings of anxiety, which can then lead to restlessness and unexplained crying. Winter anxiety can also occur due to constriction or increased pressure on blood vessels.

Now the question is what to do if this happens. First, try to calm yourself and take long, deep breaths in a cool environment. This will reduce pressure on the blood vessels and allow oxygen to reach the heart and brain. Alternatively, add salt to lukewarm water and drink it in small sips. This method helps calm the nervous system.

If you experience winter anxiety, rub your hands together and place them behind your eyes and ears. The nerves there help regulate body temperature. If you're feeling very shivering and cold, use a thick blanket and ask someone to hug you over the blanket. This is called deep touch pressure, which provides warmth and protection.