Isn't summer just amazing? Relaxing by the poolside, bbqs under the sun, not having to wear 5 layers of clothing, it’s truly a wonderful time!

And while summer weather is amazing and often associated with good times, we really need to be careful, because just like the sun, high temperatures can have a very negative impact not only on our bodies, but also our mental health!

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But what exactly are the effects that heat can have on our brain and psyche?

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1-It can affect our sleep

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One of the many factors that interfere with our capacity to sleep is heat. The temperature of the bedroom has an impact on our body since, in a warm atmosphere, our body heat does not naturally escape as it would in the cooler months, and when it does, it causes us to feel suffocated.

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In this scenario, neither the body nor the brain can unwind enough to go asleep because of the discomfort experienced. Insomnia can result in physical discomfort, exhaustion, and headaches. We don’t really need to go over all the negative effects that poor quality sleep can have on our health!

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2-Heat can increase violence

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A 2013 UC Berkeley study found that a mere 1°C increase above seasonal averages is linked to a 4 percent increased likelihood of violence. Crime, murder, domestic violence, and rape all increased by 4%, according to the study's authors.

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Another American study from 2014 revealed that confrontations on a larger or more personal scale are made worse by extreme heat.

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So if you’ve been feeling feisty and have been picking more fights than usual lately, blame the heat and.. cool down (literally).

3- Psychiatric hospitalizations increase during heat waves

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A study released in February showed a correlation between warm weather and a rise in spending on psychological urgent care.

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Extreme heat is uncomfortable and oppressive for our bodies. It favors anxiety disorders, restlessness, and irritability as well as depression and an increase in suicide rates.

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Additionally, it has been noted that elderly and isolated individuals were more susceptible to the effects of hot weather on their level of agitation. Due to the extreme temperatures, physical malaise in older people is associated with a higher risk of depression and death fear.

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4- Heat makes us less productiveAs it turns out, high temperatures can directly affect our ability to concentrate, work and be productive. In fact, a hot day can reduce productivity by as much as 24 percent, according to new studies.

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5- Fatigue

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Similar to heat strokes, this causes nausea, vomiting, headaches, and/or a strong sense of sedation. The symptoms may also occur days after being exposed to high temperatures or due to not receiving enough liquids to make up for the loss of water in the body.

So what can we do about it?

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Staying all day in front of the A/C sounds nice, but it’s definitely not the most cost effective, nor good for the planet. Fortunately enough, there are other things you can do to fight the extreme temperatures and make sure your body and brain stay healthy:-Avoid leaving your house during the hours that have more exposure to the sun, which are between midday and late afternoon.

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-Drink enough liquids, especially cold water and natural juices.

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-Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

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-Stay away from hot and heavy meals.

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-Reduce your physical activity, weightlifting exercises, and indoor work.

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-Try to find places with shade and ventilation where you can relax.

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-Use clothing made of natural and lightweight materials, bright colors, and sun-protective accessories.

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-Keep your shades and windows closed during the day to keep the hot air away and let the colder breeze in during the night.And above all:

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NEVER leave any person, child, or animal inside a parked car in the sun.

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Make sure to follow these recommendations and enjoy your summer!