The Effects of Heat Waves & Climate Change
Extreme temperatures and weather conditions are becoming more prevalent as climate change marches on at a steady pace.
These bring about many changes, including the obvious disruptions to our daily activities and added physical discomfort.
However, there are changes on an internal level that we should also be aware of which include physiological stress due to pressure and temperature regulation and lack of sleep. These in turn can lead to changes in our behaviour including irritability, intolerance and impatience. Or on a more profound level, studies have shown that anxiety and depression increase during times of extreme weather.
Our mental health is also affected as we begin to consider all the many factors that influence how we deal with extreme temperatures., ie heating & cooling costs, inability to perform certain tasks during these times (it may affect our work or business), food & water shortages, etc.
So what can we do about it?
* Be aware of our emotional mood state during these times, as well as our thoughts and behaviours.
* Remember our dogs are just as sensitive (if not more) to these environmental changes and are affected in similar ways.
* Dip into your holistic toolkit to support balance for body, mind and soul.
* Support your body (and your dog's body), through getting more rest, staying hydrated and eating 'cooling foods' that don't require the body to work hard to digest.
There are many changes in the world happening right now, alongside climate change. Our ability to be aware, tolerant, flexible and resilient is going to help us (and our dogs) to thrive.
Join us over in the Paws Reflect & Connect Membership group as we explore the human-canine relationship, our lives with our sensitive canine friends and the self-discovery and transformation with our dogs, through our dogs and for ourselves and our dogs.
https://pawsreflectconnect.mn.co/