The Intersection of the Mind and Heat

THE continuous rise in the heat index is more than just a discomfort; it has serious implications on an individual’s mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups. The feelings of irritability, anxiety, and general stress are observable as temperature climbs.

Gen Zs are reported to experience higher levels of stress than any other age group due to several factors. Among them is climate change, which causes the temperature to increase. This connection between the temperature and psychological state is concerning, particularly for Gen Zs who have already elevated stress levels. 

How heat affects the mind

The human body’s response to elevated temperatures involves physiological processes that have an indirect impact on mental health. The mechanism of sweating, for instance, is what the body regulates when a person is exposed to heat. 

This fluid coming out of the body can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which trigger mental health issues. Several studies have proved that dehydration can affect mood and concentration, potentially exacerbating feelings of anxiety and stress. 

Furthermore, the heat can disrupt the normal cycle and quality of a person’s sleep. Higher nighttime temperatures make it harder to sleep soundly, leading to poor sleep quality. When this happens, the mind cannot take its time to rest, which would affect the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of a person. 

Emerging studies suggest that being exposed to heat might trigger inflammation in the body, which has been implicated in the progression of mental health problems. While the specific pathways between heat, inflammation, and mental health are still being investigated, it is reasonable that the physical burden induced by heat contributes to the heightened inflammation, thereby affecting an individual’s mental health.  

These physiological responses to rising heat, such as dehydration, poor sleep quality, and inflammation, underscore the negative impact of heat on the overall well-being. 

For individuals like Gen Z who are already battling with mental health challenges, the physical discomfort and physiological stress caused by intense heat can be amplified. Thus, straining their coping mechanisms and resilience.

Read: PAGASA: Possible heat index of 50°C due to dry season

Practical strategies for managing heat-related stress

Given the connection between rising temperature and mental states, proactive steps can be taken to mitigate its negative impact on mental well-being. 

One effective way is to hydrate by drinking water regularly throughout the day. The Institute of Medicine recommended that the total daily water needs for men are roughly 10 to 16 cups, while for women are 9 to 11 cups a day. Dehydration worsens feelings of anxiety and irritability. Therefore, it is vital to maintain a proper fluid intake to help the body function efficiently and the overall mood regulation. 

Must know: HOT! Things to bring when going out

Carrying a reusable water bottle must be practiced as it is needed for balancing the electrolytes, especially during periods of intense heat. Moreover, consuming electrolyte-rich beverages is advisable to support optimal bodily functions. 

Seeking out cooler environments is another crucial strategy to mitigate the impact of heat. This might include spending time in air-conditioned spaces like malls, taking cool showers, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing. Planning outdoor activities early morning or late evening can also minimize the body’s stress response to heat. 

Aside from cooling the body down, incorporating ways to handle stress would be an advantage to build psychological resilience to heat. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be helpful in controlling emotions better when things get hot. Even short, regular sessions of these practices would be helpful in reducing feelings of anxiety and irritability. 

By integrating these strategies, it empowers a person to manage the stressors posed by increasing temperature. 

If the heat is on, what’s next?

While individual actions are important, the rising heat index underscores a need for broader societal-level interventions. It is not just merely an environmental inconvenience but a threat to the mental health of each individual. 

As warming evolves, the intensity of its mental health effects will grow, heightening the need for preventive awareness, solid support systems, and, ultimately, decisive action to combat climate change and protect the mental health of human beings.

With reports from Maricel J. Galut