Summer has officially started and that means for many of us traveling plans are in full swing. For many this is a time where people make trips to escape the daily grin and routine of life. Here are some helpful tips to be mindful as you plan your summer vacations. As you prepare for your summer plans and vacations, it is important to keep in mind that temperature changes can influence our overall wellness mentally and physically. Increased in heat and developing weather patterns can affect everyone’s mood to a degree, which can crease distress. However, individuals are at higher risk of mental health symptoms associated with heat, including those who live with: financial hardships which limits people to provide adequate support for the use of air conditioning, preexisting mental health, substance misuse, and chronic health conditions.
Mental Health Effects on Heat:
- Mood shifts which can include feeling more depressed, anxious, stressed, anger, frustrated, or irritable.
- Behavioral changes such as impulsivity, aggression, and feeling discomfort.
- Cognitive related issues problems with focus, attention, concentration or memory which can lead to poor decision making and overall choices.
- Difficult with sleeping which could result in either sleep more or less than typically does.
- Physical symptoms can develop which include: feeling lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, headaches.
Healthy Heat Management Tips:
- Drinking plenty of water. Experiencing dehydration can put more stress on the mind and body. Also not having enough water in your body can influence how certain medications are getting processed as well as the natural cooling system in our bodies.
- Recognizing distress signals. The body does sends us certain signals to communicate when we are stressed in order to let us know that we need additional support. At times, we can ignore or downplay these warning signs, but its vital that we play close attention to them and find ways to reduce stress. Some ways to reduce stress include: the use of sun screen, meditation, yoga, mindfulness techniques to assist with lowering these distress signals.
- Staying cool or in the shade. Spending time in the sun can be helpful for overall mental and physical wellness. However, there are limits before heating up can lead to heat stroke. Therefore, it is critical that we seek the shade or use fans, A/C or take cold showers to help maintain our bodies homeostatic temperature.
- Socialize with others. Spending quality time with loved ones can help boost overall mental health.
- Making healthy choices. Limit the use of being out during the highest peak hours would be best. In addition, being able to eat healthy meals, staying hydrated, and being more activity can improve overall well-being.
Overall, keeping both mental and physical wellness in check allows us all to enjoy the gifts that summer break can bring. Remember that your overall health is very vital to keeping cool over these next few heated months.