Summers were once the season we all looked forward to. A time for planning trips, gorging on delicious golden mangoes and reconnecting with ourselves. But as temperatures continue to rise, summers have been getting harsher year after year. The carefree joy once associated with summers now feels like a distant memory. The scorching sun and humidity are beginning to take a toll not just on our physical health, but also on our mental health.
The intense heat impacts our mood, energy levels, sleep cycles and overall mental and emotional well-being. Understanding this interplay of body and mind and the intricate mind-body connection becomes essential as we navigate through changing weather cycles.
Seasonal changes have a significant psychological impact, influencing our physical and mental state more than we realise. These shifts in the weather conditions deeply influence our energy levels. For instance, the extreme summer heat can cause us irritability and fatigue whereas a condition of reduced or a complete lack of sunlight can trigger low moods. It can also play a role in exacerbating pre-existing mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Some signs to watch for this summer:
- Thermal fatigue: A persistent feeling of sluggishness, where even small tasks feel exhausting. It may also lead to withdrawal from social interaction.
- Dehydration: This can result in multiple physical symptoms such as low energy, headaches and dizziness.
- Poor Sleep: Disturbed sleep can lead to irritable mornings, brain fog and an overall decline in mental clarity.
Strategies to keep yourself regulated this summer:
- Adopt a hydration ritual
Aim for at least 3 litres of water everyday. Use a marked bottle or set reminders to track your water intake. Try to include glasses of water infused with cucumbers and lemons to make it more refreshing. Also, add hydrating foods like watermelons, coconut water and citrus fruits to your diet.
- Schedule Your Days for the Summer
Schedule demanding tasks for cooler parts of the day, that is before 11 am or after 5 pm. This can help your brain to run cooler and more energised. Reserve the peak heat hours between 12 pm – 4 pm for low intensity work. This can help in maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
- Adopt Mindfulness Practices and Breaks
Practice a few minutes of conscious breathing everyday to regulate your body and mind. Give your face a cold splash of water from time to time.
- Practice Better Sleep Hygiene
Switch to breathable fabrics like cotton for bedsheets and clothing. Use blackout curtains to keep your space cool and dark. A cooling foot soak or a body shower before bed can improve sleep quality.
- Adapt Eating Habits for the Summer
Opt for smaller, frequent meals to reduce digestive and internal heat. Don’t forget to enjoy and include seasonal produce to your diet such as mangoes, watermelons, jackfruit while avoiding spicy and fried foods that may raise body temperature.
- Mental Recaliberation
Acknowledge the impact of heat on your emotions. Instead of chasing productivity at the cost of well-being, focus on sustainable energy. Engage in low-stakes dopamine activities and hobbies such as gardening, art, music. Allow yourself to slow down and take a pause when needed.
Summer is more than just a season, it does not just touch the skin but also seeps into our systems impacting our body and mind. It reminds us not just to protect ourselves from the heat but also to adopt gentleness and reconnect with balance. So this summer let your motto be:
“Rest without guilt and hydrate before you are thirsty!”