Move-in is inevitably a stressful time, but we can all agree that the blistering heat made it especially miserable this year. Even as a native Louisianan, there were times walking across the quad when I was astonished by the sheer intensity of the sun and was uncertain whether I had felt such a sensation in previous years. I heard one person call the heat “audible” and another describe it — hilariously — as “disrespectful.” 

July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, and according to paleoclimatic evidence, likely the hottest month in the past 120,000 years. The impacts of these extreme temperatures for the physical health of human populations have been widely discussed within the frame of climate change: unusually violent wildfires fueled by high temperatures in Mediterranean Europe have killed over 40 people and displaced even more, and prolonged heat waves in Southeast Asia threaten lives, livelihoods and livestock. 

Not to be ignored, however, is the impact of heat on individual mental health. It would not be entirely wrong to blame feelings like increased brain fog or irritability on the weather. Acute increases in temperature decrease levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that functions as a kind of natural mood stabilizer. Some research also suggests that exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the body to secrete catecholamines and cortisol, inducing a hormonal stress response. Such physiological responses can interfere with cognitive functioning. A 2021 study demonstrated that performance on a battery of psychological tests decreased at an ambient air temperature of 79 degrees, while self-estimated performance did not differ between tests.

Impaired cognitive function raises questions for academics. The correlation between temperature and academic performance has already been established — a Harvard University study showed that for New York high school students, hot days reduce performance on high-stakes standardized tests by up to 14% relative to more comfortable days. 

So, until it cools down in a month or so, how can you be the best Tulane student you can be? The best answer is obvious: hydrate. Bring a water bottle everywhere you go and consider adding electrolytes to your drinks. In some cases, it may not be enough to simply increase water intake; if you are not yet acclimated to the climate here, I’m sorry to say that it may be necessary to reduce your intake of dehydrating substances like alcohol as well. 

Finally, for those taking medications for psychiatric disorders, be mindful of the interaction between the excessive heat and the medication. Lithium, a substance commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, goes through the kidneys, so its levels in the body can fluctuate as one sweats. The severity of other mood disorders may be similarly affected. 

To all the students from less hellish climates, I promise that the weather will get better — well, as much as one can promise anything regarding the weather in this age of climate change. In the meantime, make the most of the situation! There is no better time to appreciate the beautiful shade of the oaks.