Summer for many means more time outside, school holidays and more relaxed atmosphere – all beneficial to brain health. However, the era brings extreme heat and seasonal depressive mood, which can burden our mental balance.

This week, many large cities on the east coast will experience heat wave with high humidity levels and temperatures around 38 ° C.

What do you need to know about your mental health in the summer? Here are three scientifically documented tips:

1. Prevent and face heat stroke

As the climate team has stated, ‘temperatures are expected higher than average in large parts of the country»From June to August, with a possibility of a record record in many states. Despite the immediate danger to human health, chronic exposure to heat can cause problems in the heart, kidneys, sleep and mental health.

  • Give your body time to acclimatize: The first 10–15 days in warm environment are critical to gradual adaptation.
  • Stay well hydrated and avoid outdoors alone.
  • Recognize the “signs” of heat stroke in time: exhaustion, confusion, irritability, uncoordinated movement, fainting.
  • During the heat wave, get out of the heat for a few hours: an air conditioner, a fan or even a spraying of water on the skin is better than the exposure.
  • If you suspect heat stroke, start immediate cooling measures: Ice (wrapped in cloth) on neck, groin or edges, or, if possible, total immersion in ice water.

2. Take care of seasonal summer depression

Summer depression is not as known as winter form (SAD), but it affects many people because of high temperatures, humidity and pollen in the summer.

  • If you feel more false in the summer, recognize these emotions and seek specialist help. Suicidal thoughts are more common in the summer, warns Norman Rosenthal, who first described SAD in 1984.
  • A simple “refreshing” measure – cold shower or air -conditioned stay – can temporarily relieve the symptoms.
  • Summer depression is also found out of season; treatments such as antidepressants and cognitive -behavioral therapy are equally effective.
  • To prevent, consider adjusting the dose of medicines or combining psychotherapy with refreshing methods before the worst period.

3. Contact with nature

Given most hours of sunshine and mild weather, go out: walk listening to the birds of the birds or deal with gardening. Research shows that contact with nature:

  • It improves concentration and reduces mental fatigue.
  • It reduces stress; walking in green spaces reduces rumination.
  • It promotes physical activity, further enhancing the benefits of mental health.
  • Birds is linked to a decrease in stress and hallucinations, according to a 2022 study.
  • Gardening, in addition to contacting the aesthetic beauty of nature, also enhances social contacts.

We stay cool, take care of our mental health and embrace nature, to enjoy summer without sacrificing mind and body.