Keep your cool this summer

This summer has been a hot one. Temperature affects your mood; you're more likely to feel irritable, annoyed, angry, or short-tempered when the time is uncomfortably hot.

So, if you find yourself feeling hot and bothered in more ways than one, you are not alone!

Not to worry, though, here are some tips to help you keep your cool despite the rising temperatures:

1. Remember that your emotional flare-ups are temporary. Feelings pass! They usually subside after a few minutes if you allow them to.

2. Resist the urge to fight fire with fire. There's a common myth that doing something aggressive, like punching a pillow, will help you to calm down. The truth is that aggressive gestures keep your adrenaline pumping, which only fuels feelings like anger.

3. Emotions are energy. Channel them into something productive, like cleaning or going for a quick walk.

4. Think cool thoughts. Your thoughts give your feelings power, so if your thoughts are angry, you will feel angry. Think about things that calm you down instead of heat you up.

5. Cool down physically by drinking something cold. Your feelings will follow suit. Bring a bottle of water with you throughout the day so that you can take sips as you go along. It makes a difference!

If you're still feeling overheated, call us to make an appointment at (876) 281-8601 or email info@centredja.com; yourhealth@gleanerjm.com. CENTRED is a therapeutic practice that offers psychological services for children and adults dealing with emotional, behavioural, and social difficulties.