The worldwide heatwave seems to worsen every year. If wildfires were intense in 2022, this year they’re endangering more species and threatening more people’s lives. With rising temperatures, precipitations and winds, this year sets the record for the warmest weather on Earth. This situation is worrying because it leads to numerous health problems for people, triggering heat exhaustion and heatstroke more often.
The extreme heat isn’t only affecting energy levels but also mental health. Some people also feel anxious about high temperatures as a part of eco-anxiety. At the same time, people are just shocked about how easily they get dehydrated or how often they experience headaches and health issues due to the heatwave, which adds to the tension.
Still, physical concerns are the worst, and millions worldwide suffer from extreme weather. While drinking plenty of water and not getting out in the sun might not be efficient, there are other ways to combat the heatwave.
How the heat affects the sleep quality
Many people have trouble sleeping during the night now that the weather is unbearable, despite being a little bit chillier during the night. That’s because the body manages the cooling down process more difficult since temperatures have risen. In urban settings, the concrete and steel that radiate the heat back also contribute to feeling hot overnight, ruining one’s sleep, despite the usual routine.
There are a few ways to combat this and avoid being tired all day during the entire summer. Ventilating the house naturally at night and keeping everything closed during the day might help absorb clean and cold air. At the same time, a dehumidifier might help reduce the humidity that usually forms in high heat.
But if nothing works, a less common solution would include consuming cannabis from white widow strains, known to help people relax and soothe. Of course, consulting the doctor on this method is necessary, but cannabis has been found to be safe for consumption, especially in gummies, which include proper quantities of the plant. Consuming CBD, for example, before sleep can also minimise anxiety and chronic pain, which helps relax the body and have a good night’s sleep.
The extreme heatwave also triggers stress and slows down learning
Being productive during a threatening heatwave is the least people could expect from themselves. Summer is linked with vacations and chilling on the porch, while spring is considered the period when employees are the most effective. Students might also face difficulties learning with high temperatures outside, which seem to affect memory and cognitive performance.
There’s also the stress of going outside, sweating a lot, being unable to breathe, and so on. Basically, nothing goes well, and everything is uncomfortable. Therefore, the mental and emotional aspects of people’s lives are slowed down, which makes summer the season where we only need to take care of ourselves.
The option for taking cannabis stands still in this situation, too, because its properties help people feel less stressed and worried, which is why choosing products made from feminised seeds of greater quality than others is best for getting over the overwhelming period of extreme heatwave.
Still, many people might not be aware that the heatwave is affecting their lifestyle. So, the first step to action against it is to realise the tremendous effects on one’s mental stability and look for support from like-minded people. An increasing number of people are just now grasping the consequences of climate change on their bodies, so they’re taking more precautions for their health and the actions of nature.
Preventing heat-related illnesses
Heat illnesses include rashes, cramps, exhaustion or strokes. Their symptoms usually consist of dizziness, nausea and headaches, and while they’re more prevalent after sun exposure, they can appear even when staying outside in the shades. Still, it’s best to avoid getting in the sun from 10 AM to four PM. However, when getting out, putting on sunscreen is best, and reapplying it every two hours ensures maximum protection against UV rays.
Staying hydrated is the most important, but avoiding sugary, salty drinks and alcohol is best to prevent dehydration. Teas can also be consumed, but again, without sugar. Regarding meals, it’s best to have something light because heavier ones take more time to digest, slowing down the body’s systems.
Why slowing it down during the summer will help increase productivity
Summer periods are getting worse by the year, so people should prioritise their health, even if it means sacrificing high productivity levels. If workers perform their tasks in a heatwave, they risk their health and get tired after only a few minutes of work.
Therefore, it’s advisable to slow it down and take it easy because this is the only way to get things done and maintain a stable lifestyle during the worst months of the year. That’s also why avoiding extreme exercise is also a better choice, despite the working out program, because it allows the body to get used to the outside condition without being strenuously forced to do a basic thing.
Being wary of health threats doesn’t affect productivity because someone who’s hydrated and receptive to the surroundings is able to make better decisions and focus on their tasks compared to someone who’s pushing themselves when the heat reaches extreme temperatures.
Staying safe during a heatwave is similar to any other risky weather conditions, only that it’s quieter. That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences of getting outside or being unprepared to protect the skin. The concrete around us is also making things worse, so it’s best to take precautions when getting outside. It seems like another pandemic, but it applies to anyone staying in the sun who risks severe health problems from short exposure.
Final considerations
The extreme heatwave that occupies the entire planet is worsening every summer, and we immediately see the effects on our bodies and minds. Rising temperatures are triggering mental health problems along with physical ones, affecting productivity and well-being. Therefore, being aware of current threats is advisable for combating climate change.
