Coping with Heat: Nurturing Heart and Mind

My mum texted me the other day to say there was a fire near the valley I’m from in South Wales. Smoke was billowing into the town, something we’ve never seen before.

It’s normally a bit cooler and wetter in Wales, but here in the UK, 2026 looks likely to be the hottest year in recorded history.

Seeing my home town threatened by fire and smoke reminded me how prolonged heat can affect not only the environment around us, but our internal environment too – our hearts and minds in particular according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How heat can burn out the heart and mind

In qigong philosophy / TCM), summer relates to the element of fire and to the heart qi. The heat can have an affect on our physical heart, making it work harder. If you’re heart is already tender, it’s a good time to give it extra kindness and support.

Qigong (particularly seasonal qigong, Weds online 12pm – 12.40pm, UK time), tai chi, mindful breathing and meditation can be helpful to keep our heart calm, stable and reduce high blood pressure at these times. I’m also a big fan of the hot water bottle in the freezer to hug at night.

The heart organ stores our mind / spirit (Shen) in TCM. Meaning that a heart out of balance can also effect our mind and spirit too. We might find it harder to function mentally or feel a little burned out.

You might have seen that mental health and mental illness charities have been giving extra advice and warnings on the effects of heat for people who experience mental health difficulties – and how to prepare more.

There’s also an interesting piece on the research around heat and mental health from the University of Oxford, here.

Qigong and meditation for your heart (and maybe some fun?)

Too much heat, whether that be temperature or hectiness and busyness, can mean we end up with a ‘hectic’ and a chaotic heart and mind. Too little can mean we might feel a little joyless and lacklustre.

Our meditation practice – whether qigong and tai chi (moving meditation), tea ceremony, or another type of meditation – can help bring us back into balance.

It’s a good time to explore whether the heart and mind feel a little dull and need more fun at the moment, or whether they feel over-exerted and hectic and need more rest and calm. What might feel joyful or calming to you this week?

The positive effects of summer on our wellbeing

There are positive affects of summer in TCM of, course. It often means more opportunity to engage with those things that are good for the heart. 

For example being outside in nature, or being in community with others in a group, perhaps playing games with kids or friends, as well as soaking up the optimism, enthusiasm and mood boost that we might get from extra light and warmth. I love playing table tennis with my partner in the garden on summer evenings – I find engagement with the ball moving both calms the brain and uplifts my heart.

It’s been hard for many of us to keep a balance this summer and some have been really suffering. I hope you’re managing to find some relief, and some restorative joy or calm for your heart? Let me know what helps you!

And if you’ve been keeping up with your qigong or mindfulness – I hope you’ve been noticing the benefits. Take good care and hope to see you soon, Claudia