“In the summertime, when the weather is hot, you can reach right up and touch the sky.” – Mungo Jerry

The dreamy heat waves of August can be a gift, urging us to bask in the sunshine, rest in the shade or explore the outdoors with loved ones. But those bright, relentless rays present a challenge: Just as many of us are prone to the wintertime blues, research shows that intense heat can also negatively affect our physical and mental health.

Many of us know that serotonin, the neurotransmitter primarily responsible for regulating our mood, dips during short, dark days of winter – but research shows that it responds similarly to the long, bright days of summer. Extreme heat also interferes with many common psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants. And higher temperatures correlate with an increase in tempers and risky behavior.

But we don’t need to suffer from these pitfalls. Instead, we can seize this opportunity to slow down, cool down and engage in important self-care.

The first, most crucial step is to adjust our attitude. Rather than fixating on our perceived powerlessness against the summer heat, we should focus on getting creative and taking time to rest. Spending time at one of our city’s famous beaches or free public pools is an excellent way to bask in summer’s bright beauty while still getting relief from the heat. However, you don’t need to make a day trip to cool off. Try spritzing your face with water, running a fan over a bowl of ice for a DIY air conditioner, or simply placing a cool, damp towel on your neck. Water evaporating off the skin brings intense relief from the heat. And, don’t forget the basics: Drink plenty of water, and indulge in cooling fruits and veggies for snacks.

Summer is also a perfect time to take a break from screens. Electronic devices like laptops and tablets emit heat, and that heat can combine with the stress of excess screen time to escalate discomfort and frustration. Consider letting your dishes air-dry in the dishwasher, or hanging your clothes to dry, rather than using machinery that heats up your home.

Last, opt for activities that place you in shared air-conditioned spaces without expending too much physical effort. An outing to the movie theater, book store or local café will save you some money on your electricity bill while lowering your temperature and allowing you to enjoy the company of your neighbors. You can cool down and explore art, science and history at one of the free and pay-what-you-can days at NYC museums. Check out family-friendly events at your branch of the New York Public Library. Or, enjoy a classic movie and a cool breeze at free movie screenings in the park all summer.

The seasons, like everything in life, are transient. Before this one passes, let it remind us to rest and be gentle with our bodies and minds.