Hot enough for you? Heat and irritability both spike in the summer months. Tempers rise right along with those thermometer readings.
The FBI reports that July and August are the worst months for crime, especially incidents of domestic violence.
Why are we more likely to be cross in the summer? Any number of things could be in the mix. Difficulty sleeping. Heat-related disruptions of the brain’s processing of stimuli. Elevated blood pressure and heart rates due to the hot weather.
And then there are all those other cranky people out there.
“Being uncomfortable colors the way people see things,” says human-aggression expert Craig Anderson, director of Psychology at Iowa State University. “Minor insults may be perceived as major ones, inviting retaliation.”
Keeping your emotions cool amidst the blazing heat isn’t always easy. But here are some tips to help everyone chill out:
First of all, when feeling irritable, remind yourself of what you just read — that this is the time of year when things can get out of proportion. If you notice yourself overreacting — responding to a minor situation in a major way — give yourself permission to step back and see the big picture.
Take a “time out” from conversations that are becoming heated or explosive for no particular reason. You don’t always need to win an argument or be “right.”
Take a beat before you react or respond to what appears to be a negative personal comment.
Before lashing out at what you perceive to be an insult, ask the other person what they really meant. Often it turns out that your initial assessment of an insult was not accurate.
In any case, put their comment on your shoulder in a symbolic way. Ask yourself, is what this person is saying true for me? Respond as calmly as you can.
This technique protects us from being overly reactive in a world where immediate responses are demanded so much of the time.
Some more ideas for keeping things cool:
Be a little more charitable this time of year to your neighbors, friends and loved ones — help out here and there. Be compassionate with your thoughts and feelings.
If you are close to the ocean, take your bicycle and ride along the path at sunset — nothing more relaxing that to see the waves as the sun dips below the horizon.
Take an evening or early-morning stroll around your neighborhood. Clear your mind of negative thoughts. Focus on the beauty around you.
Go to an air-conditioned mall, art museum or public library. Watch a fun movie in a cool dark cinema.
Treat the kids to frequent sessions in the kiddie pool. Toss in a tray of ice or two.
Enjoy the fruits of summer — peaches, berries, plums are terrific served chilled.
Consider putting on the back burner some of the things that can wait.
What are some of your favorite ways to beat the heat?
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