As the U.S. and Canada enter into a heat wave, I get a lot of questions about how heat impacts human behavior and our moods. So three years ago, I wrote a blog entry that reviews the research about weather affects our moods and behavior. It’s still a good overview of the research in this area and worth the read.
But it’s nice to highlight a few points from that article, as well as other research, that demonstrates how the weather — and especially hot weather, in this case — can impact our mood. Does a heat wave lead to more violence? Do we have more or less energy during high humidity? What about depression and anxiety?
Read on for the answers.
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We are creatures of moderation as a whole. So, when exposed to extremes, people can tend to freak out a bit. And those with chronic illnesses can feel even more overwhelmed than those with more adaptive coping mechanisms. Plus, let’s be honest, chronically ill people more often have less access to what the average person has as necessities, like, A/C. Tonight I went to get a pizza at a shop that had no A/C, and the two guys there were pleasant and respectful hosts while I waited for my pie, and before I left, I paid for cold drinks I saw advertised in their coolers for them.
Yeah, they appreciated it and thanked me as they pulled out 2 bottles and preceeded to drink them. So, you never know how a buck or two might not only be appreciated, but be necessary.
Times like these can either bring out the worst, or to end on a positive note, the best in our communities!
Hi,
I have a philosophy/ theory that we are born into this world leaving a place where we developed a sense of what we were perfectly nourished (food), protected/ secure (shelter), and warm (clothing). Every behavior stems back to our attempt to achieve that environment. Every dysfunction pathology can be traced back to being unable to achieve it. I call it “womb envy”. I am not certain if this school of thought actually exist. I would love to know what others think.
I have seen crime rates rise since the East Coast entered this latest heat wave, especially around the poorer areas. I think it’s because they don’t have access to air conditioning as do the more financial elite areas. With electricity rates on the rise, even people who have A/C are choosing not to use it.