We are having a hot summer here in Montreal.

For the 3rd time this year there is a heat warning, and the ‘feels like’ temperature will reach 40 degrees Celsius, (104 Fahrenheit)

Does the hot weather affect your ADHD symptoms?

For some ADHDers it doesn’t. Others thrive in the warmer weather.

However, for lots of people with ADHD, the warmer weather can make their ADHD symptoms worse.

It’s different for everyone, but here are some common examples:

• It’s harder to focus
• Motivation to do things is reduced
• Feel more tired than usual
• Have a shorter temper
• Irritable/moody
• More hyperactive

Some ADHDers also get Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the summer. If you have ADHD, you are more likely to have SAD than someone who doesn’t have ADHD.

While SAD is usually thought of as a winter condition, approximately 1 in 10 people get SAD in the summer months.

Remember knowledge is power.

You might have sort of guessed you weren’t feeling your best on hotter days, but hadn’t made the connection before.

Also, there’s a strong connection between increased ADHD symptoms and dehydration.

The hot weather means it’s important to drink lots of water and eat hydrating foods.

If you take ADHD meds then be extra vigilant because the medications have a dehydrating effect.

Quite a few ADHDers report physical aches and pains in the heat too, like stomach pain and headaches.

If you find the heat doesn’t agree with you, do whatever you can to keep cool on hot days. Including giving yourself permission to stay indoors with the AC, rather than feeling like you ‘should’ be outside having fun.

Finally. the hot weather can also throw off your usual exercise regime, which might be one of the habits you have included in your life to manage ADHD naturally.

I talk about ADHD and exercise in chapter 3 of the book Untapped Brilliance How to Reach your Full Potential as an Adult with ADHD.

The book outlines 11 steps to manage your ADHD naturally.

Get your copy here >>>> Untapped Brilliance