The weather is hot, hot, hot… and so is your mood.
When you’re feeling stressed, angry, upset, or overwhelmed, your nervous system goes into overdrive. Think about how you feel when you get really, really angry. Your body temperature rises, your skin may flush, and you feel like you can’t see straight. Now, picture how you feel when you’re overwhelmed: your brain is foggy, you’re jittery, and you feel like throwing up your hands and heading to bed instead of getting to work.
These are all normal feelings, but if you often deal with up-and-down emotions, it can impact more than your mood. Just like a dip in the ocean, a lake, or a local swimming pool is an easy way to cool down your body on a hot day, these calming techniques can help you take a cooldown for your brain, body, and nervous system.
Breathe in and out
Adults and kids can benefit from the power of simple, slow breathing. For example, if you know your child is about to launch into a screaming tantrum, try and re-direct their attention before it begins. Encourage them to stop, slow down, and take five big, deep breaths. You can try common breathing techniques like box breath or alternate nostril breath, or simply sit and count to ten.
Go outside
Even if it’s hot or humid, taking a moment to reconnect with the outside world can ground you in a few seconds. Sit in the grass, touch a tree, breathe in the fresh, clean air, or take a walk. Be fully present in the moment without distracting devices or phone conversations.
Immerse yourself in water
Some parents swear that simply putting their kids in the bathtub can turn their mood around. Water has a calming effect in general, whether you’re staring at a body of water from the window or walking into a pool. Cool yourself down both literally and figuratively by incorporating water into your wellness practices; for example, swap running for swimming in the summer, make a weekly trip to the local pool, take a cool bath at the end of a stressful day. Even running cool water over your wrists, drinking a full glass of water, or splashing your face can be an instant reset.