For many people, sunshine brings holidays, barbecues and longer evenings.
But for others, periods of hot weather can leave them feeling more anxious, irritable, exhausted or emotionally overwhelmed.
If you've noticed that your mood feels different during the heatwave, you're not imagining it.
Our physical and mental health are closely connected, and when our bodies are under stress from high temperatures, our minds often feel it too.
Why does hot weather affect mental health?
When temperatures rise, our bodies have to work much harder to keep us cool. This extra physical stress can have a surprising impact on our emotions.
You may notice:
- Feeling more irritable than usual
- Increased anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling emotionally overwhelmed
- Low motivation
- Feeling exhausted despite doing very little
Many people also experience disrupted sleep during hot weather, and poor sleep can make anxiety, stress and low mood feel much harder to manage.
Heat can make anxiety feel worse
Anxiety isn't just experienced in our thoughts.
It often shows up physically too.
A racing heart.
Sweating.
Feeling dizzy.
Shortness of breath.
Unfortunately, these are also common effects of being too hot.
When our body experiences these sensations, our brain can sometimes interpret them as danger, creating even more anxiety.
This is one reason panic attacks or anxious feelings can seem more frequent during a heatwave.
You're not "failing" because you're less productive
There can also be pressure to enjoy every sunny day.
Social media often tells us we should be making memories, seeing friends, exercising outdoors and feeling grateful.
But sometimes the heat simply leaves us drained.
It's okay if your energy isn't where you want it to be.
Rest isn't laziness.
Sometimes your body is simply asking you to slow down.
Looking after your mental wellbeing during hot weather
Small changes can make a real difference.
Try to:
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Keep your bedroom as cool as possible before bedtime.
• Reduce pressure to be constantly busy.
• Take breaks if you're feeling overwhelmed.
• Spend time somewhere cooler if possible.
• Be kind to yourself if your energy feels lower than usual.
Most importantly, remember that your emotional wellbeing deserves just as much care as your physical health.
When to seek support
If you've been feeling anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted for some time, it may not just be the heat.
Sometimes a heatwave simply highlights feelings that have been building beneath the surface for weeks or months.
Therapy offers a safe, confidential space to understand what's going on, develop healthier coping strategies and feel more like yourself again.
You don't have to wait until things feel unbearable before asking for support.
If you're looking for counselling in Doncaster, I offer face-to-face therapy, online therapy and walk-and-talk therapy in a calm, supportive environment.
Sometimes the first conversation is all it takes to realise you don't have to carry everything on your own.
Email info@empowermetherapy.co.uk to enquire.