Mental Health in the Heat: How Heatwaves Affect Our Minds

As the heatwave rolls in this week, many of us will be reaching for fans, cold drinks, or a shady spot outside. But while the sunbaked days might feel like a chance to slow down, there’s a less obvious side to extreme heat: how it affects our mental health.

It’s easy to think of heat as purely physical discomfort, with sweaty skin, restless nights, or drained energy. But the heat can also intensify feelings of irritability, anxiety, and even sadness. When the temperature rises, so can our emotional ‘temperature,’ making patience and calm harder to come by.

Scientific studies have shown a link between high temperatures and increased rates of mood disturbances, restlessness, and disrupted sleep, all of which affect how we think, feel, and behave. So if you find yourself feeling more on edge or struggling to concentrate, it might just be the heat talking.

For some, heatwaves can also trigger memories or emotions tied to vulnerability, isolation, or overwhelm. The relentless sun can feel like a pressure cooker, amplifying internal tension that’s otherwise easier to manage.

In therapy, we often talk about the importance of tuning in to the body and mind connection. Heat reminds us of this: when the body feels unsettled, the mind often follows. It’s a call to practice gentle self-awareness, noticing how external conditions ripple through our inner world.

This week, as we navigate soaring temperatures, I invite you to consider the heat not just as a challenge, but as an invitation to slow down, breathe, and honour whatever feelings come up. The weather may be intense, but so is the resilience we carry beneath the surface.