Does the Summer Heat Impact You Differently as an Adult?

I’m starting to think that my body works differently now than when I was younger…

Yesterday I mentioned that I went on a hike at Cliff Cave Park and saw some amazing birds. What I didn’t say is that–as great of a day as it was–it ended with a piercing migraine.

Here’s what happened: We arrived at the park on a bright, sunny day. It was probably around 90 degrees outside.

I was fully hydrated, and I’m in good health. But barely 15 minutes into the hike–which was fully exposed to the sun–I started to feel the onset of a migraine.

This isn’t the first time. I’ve noticed when visiting the beach in recent years that the sun and heat seem to bring on headaches (and/or general exhaustion) at a much faster and more consistent level than when I was young. Again, I’m really focused on staying hydrated, but that’s apparently not enough. Something else is going on.

I should also note that I was wearing sunglasses and sunscreen. I’m not sure if a higher level of protection would have helped, as the heat was oppressive.

My main saving grace is that we eventually found some hiking paths with lots of tree cover. I think that helped to delay the full-force migraine until I got home.

I’d love to figure out this mystery, as I want to be able to enjoy the heat and the outdoors in manageable doses. Have you experienced this? What solutions have you found?

5 thoughts on “Does the Summer Heat Impact You Differently as an Adult?”

  1. Even wearing sunglasses (are they polarized or just UV screening?) it could be light sensitivity causing the migrane.

    Reply
  2. Polarized sunglasses would probably help, but I have learned that as soon as I feel a migraine starting, I put a drop of peppermint essential oil (I use Young Living brand) on each of my temples, and it 99% of the time will knock it out. I was very skeptical at first, but it really does work. Just be careful not to get too close to eyes, or they will burn a bit.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to RupertCancel reply

Discover more from jameystegmaier.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue Reading