Too Hot to Handle? Keeping Your Cool (Mentally) During Utah's Sizzling Summer

Hey there, Utah heat warriors! As the temperatures start climbing faster than a hiker on Ensign Peak, it's time to talk about something that affects us all: summer heat and mental health. Sure, we love our sunny days, but when the mercury rises above 100°F, even the most devoted sun worshippers can start feeling the strain.

Did you know that extreme heat can affect your mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental well-being? It's true! So let's dive into some ways to keep your cool – mentally and physically – during Utah's sizzling summer months.

10 Ways to Beat the Heat and Boost Your Mental Health

1. Create a Cool Sanctuary Your home should be a refuge from the heat.

Try this: Set up a "cool room" in your house with blackout curtains, a fan, and cool, soothing colors. Make it your go-to spot when the heat gets overwhelming.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Dehydration can seriously mess with your mood and mental clarity.

Try this: Jazz up your water with fruit infusions or try cooling herbal teas. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, more if you're active outdoors.

1. Adjust Your Schedule Work with the weather, not against it.

Try this: Shift your outdoor activities to early morning or evening. A sunrise hike at Ensign Peak or a twilight stroll around Liberty Park can be magical (and much cooler).

1. Practice Heat-Friendly Exercise Staying active is crucial for mental health, even when it's hot.

Try this: Take a dip in one of Salt Lake City's public pools, try indoor rock climbing at Momentum, or join an early morning yoga class in the park.

1. Mindful Cooling Techniques Use mindfulness to help your body and mind cool down.

Try this: Practice "cool visualization." Imagine a cold mountain stream or a snowy landscape. Your body can actually respond to these mental images!

1. Stay Connected (But Beat the Heat) Social connection is vital for mental health, but no one wants to socialize in a sauna.

Try this: Host a "beat the heat" movie night with friends. Choose winter-themed movies and serve cool treats.

1. Embrace Siesta Culture There's a reason many hot countries have an afternoon rest period.

Try this: If possible, take a short afternoon nap or at least a quiet rest period during the hottest part of the day.

1. Nourish Your Body and Mind What you eat can affect how you handle the heat.

Try this: Focus on light, cooling foods like salads, fruits, and chilled soups. Avoid heavy, hot meals that can make you feel sluggish.

1. Create a Heat Coping Kit Be prepared for those extra hot days.

Try this: Put together a kit with cooling items like a spray bottle, cooling neck wrap, and portable fan. Include stress-relief items too, like a book or stress ball.

1. Know When to Seek Help Heat exhaustion is serious and can affect your mental state.

Try this: Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat exhaustion. If you're feeling confused, dizzy, or unusually irritable, seek cool shelter and medical help if needed.

Remember, it's okay to slow down when it's hot out. Listen to your body and mind - they know what you need. And hey, if the heat is really getting to you, there's no shame in camping out in front of the AC with a good book and a cold drink. Sometimes that's exactly what your mental health needs!

[Call to Action: Feeling the heat getting to you mentally? Let's talk about it. Schedule a session and we'll work on personalized strategies to help you stay cool, calm, and collected all summer long.]