While the mercury climbs these days, the bodies warm up, but not only.
“”The hot weather does not tire that the body. They can wake up or amplify anxiety “ explains psychologist Amélie Boukhobza. The heart gets carried away, breathing accelerates, sweaty sweat … So many normal physical reactions when it is hot, but which, in people sensitive to anxiety, can quickly panic.
Heat, an element perceived as a danger by our body
“”The problem is that the brain sometimes interprets these signs as a danger, and the snowball effect begins. The vicious circle can settle “ analyzes our expert.
This thermal stress is amplifying already familiar symptoms: palpitations, dizziness, feeling of suffocation. And the more we try to regain control, the more anxiety rises.
Heat or anxiety? Learn to recognize what’s going on
Not always easy to know if you are just overwhelmed by temperature or experience an anxiety. The psychologist invites you to get to know each other better, by observing.
“PTo find out, it is necessary to distinguish what is the heat and what is anxiety. Do symptoms decrease by refreshing? Do they only arise at the hottest hours or any time? “ she lists.
In both cases, one thing is certain: you have to slow down. “”Heat is already a test, no need to add “ add our expert.
Walking less quickly, avoiding efforts, staying in the shade or in air -conditioned places … These are simple, but essential gestures,, so as not to overload the body and avoid triggering the mind.
Refresh yourself … and reassure your body
Good news: it is possible to act. In addition to conventional precautions (good hydration, rest, and avoid heat peaks), certain gestures also make anxiety soothe.
“”If anxiety is there, go back to the basics: breathe deeply, get calm, refresh the face and hands, place a fresh object on the neck“advises Amélie Boukhobza.
These small physical actions which send a clear signal to the brain.
“”The body then understands that it is not in danger, and the vicious circle breaks“. Adaptation is essential, in these moments.”We cannot flee the heat, you have to do with it “ rightly recalls the psychologist. “”But we can tame it a bit so that it does not become the ally of our anxiety “.