time of day, population density, and holidays to name a few. Even more recently, research has shown that once the heat gets so high, there is a decrease in aggression (a curvilinear relationship). So when people get too hot, they will not engage in aggressive behavior. Rather the opposite, they will even become lethargic, even passive.

Another significant factor in how we respond to heat is a person’s expectations. When I go to hot yoga, I expect the room to be hot and I am dressed and mentally prepared for the heat. As a result, I welcome the heat and allow it to help me relax. Yet when I did not expect to be hot at my office, I was not mentally prepared. I was dressed in business clothes and attempting to provide therapy. So I saw the heat as bothersome, inconvenient, and my mood thus became negative.

During our most recent heat wave, I heard time and time again, "Wow, it feels like August." Although I am not a meteorologist, my guess is that our June heat wave was no hotter than the temperatures that we Charlestonians experience every August. It is possible that we were not mentally prepared for such hot weather so

early in the summer. In general our expectation of early summer weather in Charleston is that it would be warm - not consistently in the high 90’s and 100’s. Also our shock and discomfort could also be related to the fear that if it’s this hot in June, what will July and August weather bring us. This thought might create anticipatory stress and anxiety about the possibility of continued (and increased) hot weather.

Recent research has also shown that when hot weather is also paired with high humidity, we tend to see increased irrational and irritable behavior. Furthermore people have a decreased ability to sleep, lower activity levels, decreased vigilance to safety, slower reaction time, and decreased performance.

So how do we cope with the summer heat? Unless you can financially afford to schedule vacations to cooler destinations during our Charleston summers, you most likely are going to be faced with a hot summer with high temperatures and high humidity. Here are some suggestions to be more prepared for the heat - physically and mentally:

· Dress appropriately. Allow your body to cool down by wearing comfortable and weather- appropriate clothing.

· Stay hydrated. Do not forget to drink fluids.

· Have reasonable expectations. Do not expect to have the same energy levels that you have in the cooler weather, especially when engaging in activities outside. Remember that your attention and desire to follow through may be reduced. Plan to work and play at a slower pace.

· Be safe. Make self-interested decisions about how much exposure you have to the heat. Plan outdoor activities during the cooler hours of the day.

· Do not fight the heat mentally. If your schedule requires being in the heat, then accept your situation and embrace it. As one of my favorite yoga instructors frequently says, "Work with the heat".

· Remember to breathe. Taking deep breaths and focusing on what you can accomplish versus "fighting" the heat you might find yourself less likely to be bothered by the increased temperatures.

· Smile. Finally do not under estimate the power of a smile. When you feel frustrated and overwhelmed, just smiling can positively affect your mood.

Persevere! Remember that it is already July and autumn and cooler weather will be here soon.