Something that is a constant challenge for me in terms of managng my sensory differences interoception, and, more specifically, temperature regulation. I am super sensitive to any changes in temperature and get really cold or really hot really easily (I am working on gaining weight at the moment, and do feel the cold more than usual, but even when I am a healthy weight)!
Summer usually involves a few sporadic days of intense heat, which for me means feeling really uncomfortable, unable to focus, finding a lot of my comfy clothes impossible to wear, being all sticky which makes me feel horrible, and feeling more burnt out than usual. The hot weather also makes me more tired, and my executive function gets worse, so I find it harder to get on with things, even keep up with daily tasks like meals and washing.

I’ve shared some of the ways I cope with the heat – I hope they might be useful for someone!!

• Invest in comfortable summer clothes – I like loose soft t shirts/dungarees, dresses, long shorts
• Wearing layers so I can easily take things on and off
• Having a big fan in my room!!
• Cold drinks/food
• If I’m really hot, having a coolish shower or putting my feed in a basin of cool water really helps!
• Avoiding going out when it’s the hottest times of day
• Resting more
• DRINKING more, even if I don’t feel like it!!
• Adjusting my routine and when I do things like shower and go for a walk, to suit the weather
• Just being aware of how I am feeling and the impact the temperature has on me
• Finding foods I can eat that are quick and easy to get, and having more snacks

Do you struggle with temperature regulation? Are you hypersensitive to heat or the cold, or both??