10 Tips for If You Get Sensory Overload from Hot Weather and Sweat

[Image Description: "10 Tips for If You Get Sensory Overload from Hot Weather and Sweat" is in center-aligned gold text in a white text box. There is a sun emoji and hot face emoji on the right side of "Sweat." The text box is overlapping a light blue Procreate elements water brush pattern as the background.]





CONTENT WARNING: I would like to mention that I am not a nutritionist, medical professional, or therapist. All content posted on my disability advocate/teacher influencer page is for educational purposes with no intent to provide any professional services. Social media should never be used as a substitute for medical nor mental health care advice. If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing medical/mental health concerns, it is okay to get support. I highly recommend seeking support from a medical or mental health professional who is qualified to do so.


As hot summer weather has arrived in my area and some other parts of the world, I understand that there are many people who experience sensory overload from humidity and sweat. Here are 10 tips for if you get sensory overload from heatwaves and sweat.


1. First and foremost, please wear sunscreen🧴
    I understand that some people find sunscreen that comes in the form of spray too cold or sunscreen that comes in the form of lotion because of its texture, how time-consuming rubbing it on can be, or hard to reach areas for people with mobility challenges. So, if you have a preference for sunscreen that comes in the form of spray or lotion, choose according to your sensory and skincare needs. Not wearing sunscreen can cause sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. Furthermore, many anticonvulsants (such as Lamotrigine) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as Sertraline) increase skin sensitivity ultraviolet radiation. These safety precautions are also important for people who take serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Also, reapply every few hours!

    Also, make sure to wash off the sunscreen with cool water at the end of the day to prevent acne. This is especially important if you Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) [formerly called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)].


Related Links:


2. Use a mini portable fan🪭
    As a person with sensory sensitivities, I experience sensory overload from hot weather and sweat to the point where it is very painful and overwhelming for me. Last summer I started bringing a mini portable fan with me to my swim club and down the shore in Ocean City, New Jersey where I am outside a lot. I want to enjoy myself especially on the beach, boardwalk, hotel balcony, by the pool, and Shops on Asbury Avenue. Whenever I bring the fan with me to every outdoors place, it is so refreshing with about 98% sensory relief.


Related Links:


3. Use the air conditioner.
    Use air conditioner when inside any buildings or vehicles at all times for the same reason as a fan. This is also important to prevent fainting or heat strokes.


4. Swimming🏊🏾
    Swimming outdoors is so refreshing, especially when the weather is humid. I feel a sense of relief as soon as the cold weather touches my skin. I have belonged to a swim club that I go to with my family every weekend since I was four years old. I also swim in a pool that the hotel has when I go on summer vacation. If there is not a swim club near you, try to join a local gym with a pool. If you have a pool at home, use it. You can also use pool noodles or floats for accessibility if necessary.


Related Links:


5. Cold drinks🥤💦
    Drinking plenty of water is so important for hydration. This is especially an important safety precaution since many antidepressants that many people need to take react to the heat and sun. If you are drinking anything ice cold, use a soda can warmer or bottle warmer to prevent double sensory overload.

    Electrolyte drinks, such as coconut water, milk, fruit juices, and smoothies, which are beverages designed to replace minerals lost from sweat, exercise, or illness, are also healthy drinking options.


Related Links:


6. Watery foods and cold treats🍉🍍🍧🍨
    As always, eat any foods that you can eat in moderation on a balanced diet, especially cold treats that contain sugar. Watery foods (watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, oranges, etc.) and a mix of vegetables is very healthy.


7. Shade
    Sit in shady areas as much as possible when outdoors or cooler indoors. If you are on the beach or by the floor, sit in a chair under an umbrella or awning.


8. Dress comfortably👒🧢
    Wear hair ties or scrunchies if you have long hair or a hat if you get headaches from the heat. From caps to sun visors or sun hats, wear what makes your head feel comfortable.


9. Deep breathes🌬️
    I often take deep breathes to self-regulate and comfort myself.


10. "This is only temporary." or "This moment won't last forever."
    It is absolutely true that as part of your condition, you will probably always struggle with sensory overload from hot weather and sweat. While this is valid, it is also important to keep in mind that these moments are only on-again, off-again meaning that they do not last forever. Be kind to yourself and let other people know that you are okay and if you need anything.





You might also enjoy and gain better understanding and insight about sensory sensitivities by reading my other blog posts linked below:










Did you enjoy and find this post helpful? If you want to see more content like this and my other content about teaching and advocating for the disability community, please follow me on Instagram and like my Facebook page if you have not already by clicking on the hyperlinks below:




Give feedback! Questions? Compliments? Suggestions? Let me know in the comments section below and/or email me at ehoffbuddyclub@gmail.com !

If you repost any of my content to your own page or story, please tag me in the caption and the post and keep my logo visible. Thank you💕

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The History of the Disability Pride Flag

Image
[Image Description: The image shows the updated disability pride flag with charcoal black, dark green, light blue, white, light yellow, dark red, charcoal black diagonal straight stripes on it. ] Happy Disability Pride Month! Last summer I learned about the history of the updated disability pride flag. Last year I created and posted an infographic about the history of the disability pride flag on Instagram and Facebook after finding out about the updated flag. On the second day of this year's Disability Pride Month, I created and posted another infographic about the history of the disability pride flag with more detail this time.  Many people still seem to not be aware of the existence of the disability pride flag.  Learning new things and educating people about unique important topics that they may not be aware of instead of immediately jumping to criticizing them are some things that I am passionate about.  Modeling embracing my mistakes, love for learning n...
Read more

Colleges and Universities Refusing to Allow Parent/Guardian Involvement is a FERPA Rights Violation

Image
[Image Description:  There are 4 intersected curved concrete sidewalks winding through a college campus with multiple scattered leaves on the pavement. There are 4 green grass areas on both sides of each sidewalk. There are 2 black traditional style streetlamps with ornate tops with one that has a blurred red flag attached to its right side, a black sign with its white text blurred, multiple orange and green autumn trees clustered together, and one big building with a brick structure along with a clear blue sky in the background. ] CONTENT WARNING #1: I would like to mention that I am not a college advisor nor professor, high school guidance counselor, or lawyer. All content posted on my disability advocate/teacher influencer page is for educational purposes only with no intent to provide any professional services. Social media should never be used as a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions or concerns about college life as a high school or college stud...
Read more

Disability Pride Matters All Year Round

Image
[Image Description: The image has a light pink background with my First Former Buddy Club President logo in the bottom left corner. "This year's Disability Pride Month may be over  –– however, disability pride matters all year round." is in left-aligned bright pink text. "Disability pride is not just an opportunity to celebrate during one month per year. It is a mindset, movement, and commitment to showing up for the disability community every day." is also in left-aligned bright pink text below the previously described text. There are 7 diverse hands raised in solidarity. The first hand on the left has a medium dark skin color and is formed into a closed fist with a charcoal black, dark green, light blue, white, light yellow, dark red, charcoal black striped bracelet around its wrist. The second hand has a medium light skin color and is holding up a disability pride flag. The third hand is a prosthetic hand. The fourth hand has a light skin color and is formed ...
Read more