Lately, I’ve been feeling like the witch at the end of The Wizard of Oz… you know that scene when she stands there screaming ‘I’m melting, I’m melting” lol

Grenada and most parts of the world have been experiencing a series of heat waves since June 2023.

To say it’s been hot is an understatement and while I feel blessed to not have to work outside in the blistering heat, I have noticed a change in my overall mood and tolerance levels when I have to be outside.

Turns out excessive heat can affect your mood and emotions in negative ways.

If you’ve been having a hard time coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, or other mental health issues caused by heat, try some of these strategies:

1. Practice Mindfulness

The heat can have you feeling fussy and unfocused. That’s why we need to be fully present in each moment.  It’s always a good idea to have a morning routine, and that is something that can help with this.

Waking up early to pray, read, stretch and have a cup of tea is how I’ve been approaching the heatwave. 

I recognise that heat can cause rash judgments and irritated emotions so I prime my mind for good things. I make sure I start the day as calmly as possible so I don’t get sucked into heat-induced negativity.

2. Connect with Friends

Social support can help you cope with stress and improve your mood. Reach out to your friends and family and share your feelings and experiences. I get that we are all busy but designating one night a week to catch up with friends can go a long way. 

You don’t have to lament on the heat or any other thing going wrong, but sometimes knowing that your burden is shared can make it a bit easier to carry.

3. Try Physical Activity

Warning, do these at night or early in the morning to avoid the discomfort of the heat.  Exercise can help you release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can boost your mood and energy. 

Choose an activity that you enjoy and that suits your fitness level.

You can also try yoga, tai chi, or other forms of gentle movement that can help you relax and calm your mind. 

Yoga is my favourite and I have also been doing stretches for my vagus nerve because of a persistent tight hip I’ve been dealing with. 

The vagus nerve is part of the connective tissue that covers our entire body. So doing stretches for it is super relaxing. 

4. Consider Your Diet

What you eat can affect your mental health. Eat healthy, balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Fruits like watermelon and catelopes are high in water content. Here are 19 foods you can add to your diet to help with adding water to your diet.

Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat that can worsen your mood or health.

In addition to increasing your water intake,  limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, or other substances that can alter your mood or behaviour.

5. Know when to let things go.

Sometimes, you can’t control the weather or the things that happen to you.

Instead of worrying or stressing about things that are out of your control, focus on the things that you can control, such as your attitude, your actions, and your reactions.

Accept the things that you can’t change and move on with your life. Journalling is a great way to dump all the things you are holding on to on paper and get them out of your head. 

I’ve created a journal just for you it’s available on Amazon.

6. Rest

Getting enough sleep is essential for your mental health.

Sleep helps you recharge your energy, improve your mood, enhance your memory, and regulate your emotions.

To be honest, this is one of the areas in my life I struggle to keep consistent.  

I usually get about five, but experts say we should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Follow a regular sleep schedule and routine that helps you relax and fall asleep.

Avoid using electronic devices, caffeine or alcohol, before bed. Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet helps as well.

Heat exposure can have a significant impact on your health and mood, but you can take steps to protect yourself and stay healthy and happy in the heat.

By following these tips, you can make it through this heat without compromising your well-being.

If you want to learn more about how to stay healthy and happy in the heat as a millennial, listen to the 5 Years to 40 Podcast where I share personal stories, insights, and tips on how to navigate life as a millennial woman in today’s world. You can listen to it on Spotify.

I hope this blog post was helpful and inspiring for you. Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!