The intense summer heat has an effect on your mood in addition to your physical health.
Learn about the connection between high temperatures and irritability, as well as practical strategies for maintaining composure.
The blistering heat of summer continues to take a toll on our bodies. While we’re often aware of its physical impact, have you ever wondered how it affects your mood? Researchers suggest that some individuals become more irritable, angrier and prone to lashing out in high temperatures. If this sounds familiar, remember that you’re not alone. Extreme heat tends to make many people irritable. Moreover, there are other factors related to summers that can make you feel frustrated. Read on to learn about a few of them.
- Lack of sleep:Lack of sleep is a significant factor in triggering irritability. During hot summer nights, sleep cycles often get disrupted due to the discomfort caused by high temperatures, leading to restless nights and sleepy mornings.
- Hormonal changes:Heat can also trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol. This might come as a surprise, but when cortisol levels spike, one feels anxious, nervous and yes, irritable.
- Psychological impact:When the temperature rises, one generally loses patience and everything feels more irritating.
Let’s take a look at some tips on which one can stay cool and safe in this extreme weather:
- Stay hydrated:The best thing one can do to keep cool is to drink plenty of water. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and other carbonated drinks and consume plenty of fluids even at times when you don’t feel thirsty.
- Dress accordingly:Do not wear tight and dark-coloured clothes that make you feel suffocated and uncomfortable and opt for light-coloured and breathable fabrics to help maintain body temperature.
- Smart Cooling Practices:Avoid refrigerated water, as drinking chilled water immediately after being in the heat can create a sudden body temperature imbalance. Instead, go for earthen pot water, as it provides appropriate coolness and safe hydration.
- Make healthy choices:Physical health supports mental health. It goes hand in hand. So, eat balanced meals, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
- Nutrition and Replenishment:Consume coconut water, lemonade, fruit juice, and electrolyte-rich foods to replenish lost nutrients and minerals. Carry Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) or mix a pinch of pink salt and sugar with half a glass of water to drink when dehydrated.
- Stay under Shelter:Protect yourself from direct sun exposure and use umbrellas, hats, or wet cloths to shield yourself from the heat.
