Heatwave Wisdom: What the Weather Taught Me About Keeping My Cool

Because sometimes the steering wheel feels like it’s forged in the fires of Mount Doom.

I consider myself a fairly calm, patient person. But get me into a parked car on a 30+ degree day, and that all goes out the (blisteringly hot) window.

The air con blasts out Sahara-grade wind for the first five minutes. The steering wheel feels like molten lava. And for some reason, the person casually crossing the road in front of me becomes the ultimate villain in my story — like, come on mate, channel your inner Usain Bolt!

It’s in that sweaty, impatient chaos that I realise something:

Heat + stress = short fuse.

Why does the heat hit different when you’re busy?

I love the sunshine — when I’m sat by a pool, at the beach, or lounging in the garden with an ice-cold drink. But pair that same heat with a to-do list longer than my arm, multiple priorities juggling for attention, and a deadline breathing down my neck… and suddenly the summer vibes evaporate.

I lose my cool — emotionally and physically.

Cooling your body to calm your brain

Once the air con kicks in, I start to feel better. I can breathe. Think. Smile, even. And I’ve noticed the same is true outside the car:

Cooling my body helps calm my mind.

Yes, I’ve genuinely taken a slow stroll down the chilled aisle at the supermarket just to regulate. Don’t judge me — it works.

Simple things that help me reset when I’m overheating (literally or emotionally):

✅ Taking a few slow, intentional breaths

✅ Not rushing — even if I feel like I should

✅ Smiling (even when I don’t feel like it)

✅ Finding some cold air, a fan… or a tactical fridge aisle walk

✅ Remembering that how I respond is always a choice — even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment

Slow down before you blow up

Whether you’re navigating real heat or the heat of life’s pressures, don’t underestimate the power of a pause.

Whatever you’re facing today, take a moment to slow your body, your brain, and your pace down.

You’ll thank yourself — and so will the pedestrians.

At Phase, we’re all about helping people build resilience and stay steady under pressure — whatever the weather. Explore more wellbeing resources or book a training session at phase-hitchin.org

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