It’s hot out there!!

Did you know that temperatures can impact how well we communicate with each other? Since it’s summertime, let’s talk about heat.  

When people are overheated, some ways it can affect their communication are: 

• The heat causes physical symptoms, like nausea or dizziness, that make it hard to focus. 
• The heat disrupts their ability to think clearly or regulate their use of language. 
• The physical experience (maybe of sweating excessively or feeling too hot) may remind them of a previous stressful or traumatic experience when they felt the same way. 
• They can’t tolerate being hot and are only focused on escaping the heat and cooling off immediately. 
• Their physical symptoms are similar to their physical signs of anger, triggering irritability or anger. 

How does this information help us? 

• We can recognize when we are (or someone else is) too hot to communicate well. 
• We can be aware if our medications or conditions cause sensitivity to heat or sunlight. 
• We can make adjustments to lower the temperature when possible. 
• We can plan events and activities that help people avoid getting overheated. 

Let’s brainstorm some cool ideas… 

• Change into lighter, cotton clothing. 
• Put ice packs on your head, neck, or feet. Chew on some ice, too!
• Have a cool drink.
• Plan outside events where there is plenty of shade available
• Make sure fans or air conditioning are available for inside events
• Go swimming or puddle jumping