The Impact Heat Has On Our Mental Wellbeing

Written by: Fouzhan Shadidi

August 14, 2024

Time to read 4 min

Keywords: mental health, heat, energy

Table of Content

1. The Physicality of Emotions 2. The Impact of Weather on Mental Wellbeing 3. The Broader Impacts of Heat on Mental Health 4. Balancing Heat's Impact on Mental Health 5. Heat And Fatigue

Why is it that you feel more energetic during summer and a bit gloomy during winter? There is an intriguing connection between weather and mental health. Let’s explore it as we go into the broader impacts of heat on mental health and how higher temperatures can affect brain performance and cause physical stress.

1. The Physicality of Emotions

Emotions are not just abstract concepts; they have a tangible impact on our bodies.

A study published in the journal NCBI explored the physical topography of emotions, revealing that they can trigger changes in our neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous systems.

This research suggests that our emotions are linked to specific bodily sensations, with certain emotions triggering heightened responses in areas like the upper chest, which is associated with breathing and heart rate alterations.

Understanding these physical manifestations of emotions can provide valuable insights into mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are often characterised by altered emotional processing and somatosensation. Therefore, the physicality of our emotions plays a significant role in our mental health.

2. The Impact of Weather on Mental Wellbeing

The weather can significantly influence our mental wellbeing.

For instance, during summer, we tend to have more energy, wake up earlier, and engage in more outdoor activities, which can boost our mood and overall mental health.

However, during winter, we often feel moody and tend to withdraw to our homes, which can lead to feelings of isolation and even depression in some cases.

This phenomenon, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects approximately 5% of the population, according to psychiatry.com.

Furthermore, extreme heat can also impact our mental state.

A study by UCLA Health found that high temperatures can disrupt hormones, sleep, and social norms , leading to increased symptoms of depression, irritability, aggression, and cognitive function problems.

Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of these weather-related effects on our mental health and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

3. The Broader Impacts of Heat on Mental Health

As we go deeper into the effects of heat on mental health, it's important to review the data we have in terms of hospitalisations and drug-related incidents during high heat seasons.

A study involving over 2 million people found an increased rate of emergency department visits during periods of high heat, according to EHP Publishing.

Additionally, certain medications used for mental health illnesses can alter the body's ability to regulate heat, heightening the risk of heat-related issues.

Furthermore, for individuals with anxiety disorders, the heat may exacerbate their symptoms, making the summer months particularly challenging.

This is due to the physical side-effects of heat, health risks such as heat stroke, and social pressures associated with summer activities.

Understanding these broader impacts of heat on mental health can help us devise strategies to manage its effects and maintain our mental wellbeing during periods of intense heat.

4. Balancing Heat's Impact on Mental Health

While heat can indeed have a significant impact on mental health, it's essential to remember that this is just one of many factors that can influence our mental wellbeing.

It's crucial not to overemphasise or solely rely on this correlation when evaluating our mental health. Instead, a more holistic approach that considers individual circumstances, personal needs, and a comprehensive assessment of various factors is recommended.

For instance, while some may find heat exacerbating their mental health issues, others may thrive in warmer climates.

Therefore, it's essential to understand and respect these individual differences.

5. Heat And Fatigue

Are you feeling drained, even after your morning coffee? Finding it impossible to reach peak performance due to low energy levels? Never feel fully rested, no matter how much sleep you get? If these symptoms sound all too familiar, you might be experiencing unexplained summer fatigue.

The OptimallyMe Tiredness Plus Test offers a comprehensive insight into what’s causing your fatigue when you least expect it. By delving into the nuances of your energy levels, this test provides a complete picture of your fatigue, including assessments of thyroid antibodies, Active Vitamin B12, and even your diabetes risk. Here’s how it can help you gain control over your energy levels and well-being:

Assess the biomarkers linked to feelings of fatigue and low energy : The test examines crucial biomarkers that could be affecting your energy. By identifying these markers, you can pinpoint the root causes of your tiredness.
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The Tiredness Plus Test is designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of where your energy dips occur and how to elevate it effectively. With our personalised recommendations, you can take steps towards regaining your vitality and putting low energy to bed. Don’t let unexplained fatigue disrupt your life. Take charge of your health with the OptimallyMe Tiredness Plus Test .