Jan. 11, 2026

1210: Why Anxiety Often Gets Worse In January And Why That's Normal

1210: Why Anxiety Often Gets Worse In January And Why That's Normal

In today's episode, Gina discusses why anxiety can become stronger in January and how to cope with it. A review of how the holidays can upset our lives and nervous systems is shared. The biological consequences of winter, including shorter days, are covered. Listen in for strategies on how to navigate the stronger turbulence of anxiety in January.


Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!

https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/



Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.


FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind

10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety


Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching link

ACPGroupCoaching.com


To learn more, go to:

Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program

Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

What is anxiety?



Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:


For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/


Here's what's included for $5/month:

❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday

❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes

❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind

❤ And more fun surprises along the way!

All this in your favorite podcast app!


Quote:


In winter, we must protect our energy, conserving it for the spring.


-Eknath Easwaran




Chapters

0:26 Introduction to January Anxiety

4:17 Understanding Post-Holiday Anxiety

9:06 The Biological Impact of January

11:01 Emotional Whiplash in January

14:36 Reframing January's Expectations

16:48 Gentle Supports for January Anxiety

18:42 Closing Thoughts on January Healing


Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the often-overlooked reasons why anxiety can intensify during January. As we transition from the whirlwind of the holidays into the stillness of a new year, many individuals may find themselves feeling an unexpected heaviness or discomfort. I want to emphasize that if your anxiety feels more pronounced right now, please know that you're not alone and there's nothing wrong with you. This experience is more common than you might think, and I aim to provide insight and understanding into these feelings.


I begin by addressing the post-holiday letdown, which is a feeling that many people struggle to articulate. The holidays often come with significant social stimulation, changes in routine, and increased sensory input. While this can bring moments of joy and connection, it also places our nervous systems under pressure. Once January arrives, the contrast of a quieter, less stimulating environment can lead to feelings of anxiety resurfacing. It’s crucial to recognize that this doesn’t mean we’re regressing in our healing journey; rather, it reflects our nervous system's way of processing accumulated stressors.


I highlight the biological impacts of January, where factors such as shorter days and reduced sunlight can profoundly affect our mood and energy levels. The winter season inherently asks us to slow down, yet our modern lives often conflict with this natural rhythm. This friction may manifest as heightened anxiety, which is not a sign of personal failure but rather a response to the seasonal demands on our bodies.


#anxiety #januaryanxiety #mentalhealth #anxietyrecovery #nervoussystem #selfcare #ginaryan #anxietycoachespodcast #mentalhealthmatters #winterwellness #healingjourney #postholidayblues #stressrelief #mindfulness #selfcompassion #nervoussystemhealth #restismedicine #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #anxietysupport #seasonalaffective #calm #innerpeace #recovery #holistichealth #breathe #mentalwellness #healing #stressmanagement #healthandwellness #ACP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Want to listen to the show AD-FREE?
Access every episode ad-free in our Premium Podcast Subscription.
That includes the entire back catalog of episodes without ads, bonus meditations, and more! All starting at
$5.00 a month  :) https://anxietycoaches.supercast.tech/
Or on Apple Podcast Anxiety Coaches Podcast Premium

Hope you join us in the Ad-Free Premium for even more peace and calm!
Be Well and Aloha!
Gina🌺