Summer should be a time of relaxation and fun, but it may be more of a source of anxiety when temperatures climb higher. With much of the country experiencing higher than normal summer temps, it’s important to highlight the realities of summer anxiety and know how to manage it.
If you’ve noticed that you tend to be more on-edge when it’s hot outside, it’s not just you. This is a common sensation, because heat leads to stress and agitation—effects that are compounded by dehydration, which is more common in high temperatures. Here’s a look at what you can do to beat the heat and your anxiety as well.
Stay out of the heat
When it’s over 90 outside, the best thing you can do is stay indoors—preferably where it’s air conditioned. When you do venture outdoors, be prepared. Dress in loose, light-colored clothing that breathes well. Bring along plenty of cold water and sip on it regularly before you feel thirsty. Finally, have an exit strategy so you can find relief indoors quickly if you need to. If you can, think about working from home on the hotter days of summer so you don’t get stuck in a scorching commute.
But don’t skip your workout
You shouldn’t use the heat as an excuse to skip your workout, just because it’s too hot to exercise outdoors. Invest in a treadmill for your house if you can or sign up for a gym membership while summer specials are in effect. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat anxiety, so don’t compromise it when the summer heat is getting to you.
Take cold showers
If you need to cool off quickly, a cold shower is your best bet. This can help you calm down fast and get you revitalized to take on the rest of your day. If the heat is causing difficulty sleeping, take a cool shower before bed to get more restful sleep at night.
Summer can be rough, but MeMD is here for you! Get in touch with us to learn about our online therapy services (which you can access from the comfort and privacy of home), or read our blog for more tips on handling the summer heat.
