Mental Matters
Jennifer Goble

According to The Weather Channel, temperatures on June 28, hit 104 degrees. It was HOT. That was the same day my car air conditioning decided to quit. Driving on Interstate 76, I turned the hot air on high, rolled down the windows, and poured water on my arms.

We all have ideas on how to make our hot bodies cooler. I might stay inside, go swimming, rub ice on my wrists, or sit in the shade. Over the years I, probably like you, have figured out to get from hot to cool.

If you are boiling over with frustration, hurt, fear, unfairness, anxiety or depression, in other words, being hot with emotions, how do you cool yourself down so you might maintain a level of logic and reasonableness?

We all get there, and we must own those moments when we feel extremely mad or sad, act stupid and often harmful to ourselves or others. How do YOU get from hot to cool in those situations?

Warm temperatures could be challenging to manage, but hot emotions can be devastating, life- threatening, and feel impossible to control.

People can end up in the hospital, police department, prison, or divorce and child custody court because they have no dependable skills to move them from dangerously hot to moderately cool.

When my internal thermometer bursts; my first response is @#$%^&* along with the urge to close all doors and chop down the bridge. But, I usually shut-up and walk away, knowing an incredibly long walk and twenty-four hours will help me regain my brain. Writing also helps me clarify my thoughts and feelings. Talking (ranting unreasonably) to someone helps because hearing my words usually uncovers problems and solutions.

The goal is to recognize when you are hot, out of control, and then activate effective behaviors that help you cool down.

Drugs and alcohol never help; they intensify the heat — don’t do it!

Spend some time remembering what behaviors worked in the past, and write a list. It will help YOU get from hot to cool, and spare your reputation, pride, relationships, and maybe, even your life.

When the temperatures rise, we know to hydrate; replenish moisture we sweat. The same is true when emotions rise; we need to replace the immense energy we lost; drink lots of water and get above average sleep.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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