Beware of “Emotional Heatstroke” in High Temperatures
As temperatures rise, many people find their moods deteriorating, mainly manifesting as irritability, frequent anger, disordered thinking, abnormal behavior, lack of interest in things, and often quarreling over trivial matters. Psychologists call this phenomenon "emotional heatstroke." Especially when temperatures exceed 35°C and sunlight exposure is prolonged, the likelihood of emotional heatstroke increases sharply. To maintain good mental state and avoid emotional heatstroke, consider the following:
Pay Attention to "Calmness" for Health Preservation
As the saying goes: "Calmness brings natural coolness." The *Huangdi Neijing* emphasizes: "In summer, one should regulate breathing and calm the mind, always keeping the heart as cool as snow and ice. Even if it’s hot, your inner heat will lessen. Do not let external heat inflame your inner heat further." Therefore, the hotter it gets, the more we must "calm the mind, soothe the spirit, control agitation, and suppress anger." When facing unpleasant events, learn to shift emotions and handle them calmly. Also, cultivate a sense of humor—humor brings joy, relieves distress, softens conflicts, and relaxes tense nerves, helping maintain good mood.
Pay Attention to Diet and Daily Routine
Diet should be light and avoid greasy foods. Drink plenty of water to regulate body temperature and improve circulation. Consume more "cooling" foods and drinks such as fresh vegetables, fruits, green tea, beer, coffee, chrysanthemum, and honeysuckle. At the same time, reduce spicy foods, avoid strong alcohol, and quit smoking. Minimize outdoor outings and increase rest time. Ensure room ventilation—opening windows quickly disperses surrounding heat, creating a "cool" feeling. Especially during cooler morning and evening hours, open windows to reduce air pollution.
Ensure Adequate Sleep
Emotions and sleep are closely linked. Poor sleep leads to irritability. Thus, summer calls for strict sleep schedules. Generally, the best bedtime is between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, and the best wake-up time is between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM. A short nap during midday is also recommended, ideally lasting 30 minutes to one hour.