When the temperature rises, many of us expect to feel happier, more energetic, and ready to enjoy the sunshine (this is me). But for some people, hot weather can have the opposite effect. It can leave us feeling irritable, overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or emotionally drained.
As a counsellor, I've noticed that periods of hot weather can affect how people show up in sessions. Clients often talk about struggling to sleep, feeling more sensitive to noise and sensory input, finding it harder to concentrate, or simply feeling less able to cope with the demands of everyday life.
Why Does Heat Affect Us So Much?
Our bodies work hard to regulate temperature. When it's hot, we use more energy to stay cool, which can leave us feeling tired and depleted.
Hot weather can also affect:
- Sleep quality, making us more emotionally vulnerable.
- Concentration and focus.
- Patience and frustration levels.
- Anxiety symptoms, particularly if physical sensations such as sweating, a racing heart, or dizziness are triggering.
- Sensory sensitivities, which can be especially challenging for neurodivergent individuals.
When we're already carrying stress, grief, anxiety, trauma, or burnout, extreme heat can make everything feel that little bit harder.
What I Notice in the Therapy Room
During hot weather, sessions can sometimes look different.
Clients may arrive feeling more exhausted than usual, struggle to find the right words, or feel frustrated that they don't have the same emotional capacity they normally do. Sometimes people are surprised by how strongly the heat affects them and worry that they're "going backwards."
In reality, our emotional wellbeing doesn't exist separately from our physical wellbeing. When our bodies are under strain, our minds often feel it too.
Therapy during these times can become a space to slow down, acknowledge what is happening, and adjust expectations with compassion rather than self-criticism.
What Can Help?
While we can't control the weather, there are ways to support ourselves through periods of extreme heat.
Lower the Bar
You don't have to operate at 100% all the time. If you're feeling sluggish, overwhelmed, or less productive, it may be worth asking yourself whether your expectations are realistic for the conditions.
Prioritise Rest
Heat can be surprisingly draining. Rest isn't a reward for finishing everything on your to-do list—it's a genuine need.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Simple needs can be easy to overlook when we're stressed or busy. Drinking enough water and eating regularly can have a significant impact on mood and energy levels.
Create Sensory Comfort
For those who experience sensory overwhelm, small adjustments can make a difference. This might include using a fan, wearing lightweight clothing, reducing unnecessary noise, or spending time in cooler environments when possible.
Practice Self-Compassion
If you're finding things harder than usual, you're not failing. Your body is responding to challenging conditions. Sometimes the most helpful response is to acknowledge that things are difficult and offer yourself the same kindness you would offer someone else.
So...
Hot weather can affect us in ways we don't always expect. If you're feeling more emotional, tired, overwhelmed, or irritable than usual, you're certainly not alone.
Sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen to what our bodies are telling us, slow down where we can, and remember that looking after ourselves is not a luxury—it's a necessity.
If you'd like support navigating stress, anxiety, overwhelm, or burnout, counselling can provide a space to explore what's happening and find ways to care for yourself through challenging periods, whatever the weather.
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