THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, July 15, 2010
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blinding temperatures. You had already sworn to march into the task no matter what. Oh, what can we do? Your project’s troops can
by Dr. Debi Warner Contributing Writer
Dear Dr. Debi, It is so hot and I want
to get my projects done but I can’t. I can hardly move and am so frustrated because I had figured on doing so much on my vaca- tion. Any suggestions? Signed,
Seized in the Heat
Dear Big Chill, A funny thing about our human habits is to make plans that are stronger in our minds than the real- ity we encounter. Let’s see what we can do to unbind ourselves from be- ing thwarted by the heat when quality time is so important, such as your vacation. There are two parts to
your issue – one is having productive time moving toward your goals, the other is beating the heat with some form of comfort and usefulness. It is often our own stubborn grip on our pre-determined goal that shackles us in a time like this. Let’s see. We have visualized the outdoor project, the tools to use, the techniques, the spots that need strength and the tackling of edges. Our mind is ready to go. We have rallied all the muscles and nerves to be gung ho for that project, whether garden or shed, roofing or window repair. Everything is ready to go. But then awful heat be- falls the region and no one can stand being outside, or even to sleep in those
be demoralized to stand down for such a trivial barrier as hot weather. You were prepared to withstand sweat, fatigue, and strains, to tackle high and hard challenges, so how could a little ther- mometer beat you out of the project? Well, if you don’t let it, perhaps your partner will warn you not to venture into the dan- gerous conditions. Then it seems they are not on your team, but a traitor, too, just like that nasty weather channel with all those warnings you re- sent. A conspiracy? No, it is a caring un- derstanding of the limita- tions of bodies and heat. In high temperatures, the body’s own thermal regulation can be thrown way off because sweating may not work to keep you cool. When that fails, the temperature in the body can rise quite quickly and cause the brain to mal- function and also organs too.
When heat overruns the body’s defenses, a person may not feel well, be nau- seous, dizzy, headache, tired, pale, and out of sorts in other ways. They need to get into the shade, and cooled down. Consult your first aid for all the details, but the situation can be dangerous so get
help. If someone is in the heat, check on them regularly and watch for those signs, or if they are irritable, a bit confused, or look bad, then try to get them to come in for cool- ing and liquids. It seems that making
hay always happens in the hottest of July days, but roofing may be able to wait for more mod- erate weather, so see if you can. If you must be out in the heat, you will want plenty of liquids and watch yourself and your crew for those warning signs. Take breaks and get shade. Make sure you have read up on the sig- nals and interventions for heat stroke, heat exhaus- tion, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat fatigue and call for help when you see problems happen. You might not have
thought that such study was involved in bringing a crew on site, but if you are leading the charge, you have the responsibil- ity to not only have tools in working order, but also the safety net too. So, what is the alter-
native? Glad you asked. On very hot days, con- sider the indoor projects that are below grade. The basement or garage proj- ects are usually fine on hot days. The nice tem- peratures of the cellar can be invigorating and bring a sharp focus of priorities and energy when you get in there. Suddenly you can see
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the need for organizing materials or tools. The household cast-offs can be sorted quickly and stacked or arranged in the garage for the next sale. You sweep, clean, orga- nize, and gain a familiar- ity and vision of the place that has been often over- looked in your running about. You have taken that space for granted, just piling things up in there. Now you rebuild your infrastructure and have a supportive founda- tion for the work you like to do. After mucking around in
there and putting things right, you now know where things are. You discover parts that fit elsewhere. You find duplicates of
tools you had lost. The screws all pile together; you now have variety and choice when you need some. The sharpeners are now available. You make room for the bench tools and can cut a long board again. You have gotten back to basics and strengthened your team’s base; even on a day you could not do the above ground project that called to your heart. In the end, you feel productive and the body is all right too. Maybe you invite the rest of the team downstairs for refreshments and visiting in the cool of the base- ment on that oh so hot day.
Happy Home Team! Dr. Debi
Dr. Debi Warner is the Founder of Renovation Psychology® and
author of Putting the Home Team to Work, available now online. Dr. Debi provides advice for greater domestic harmony to folks who are renovating their home – for True Home Improvement. This column is offered for enjoyment and enhancement and is not intended to replace your personal medical care. Photo by Bob Jenks, St. Johnsbury, Vt. Dr. Debi has a con- sultation practice, visiting home sites all over New England from her studio in Littleton, NH at the Tannery Marketplace. © 2009 Renovation Psychology® Questions are welcome.
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