In this post
Ah, the heat and humidity of summer.
Sunshine, long days, beach trips… and for some of us with chronic pain, a time we dread.
I suffer from Complex, Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). I have had this condition since I was 10 years old. You can read my pain journey here.
Back to this post…
Don’t get me wrong—I love the sun. The warmth on my skin, the longer days, and the mood boost. But there’s also a side of summer that’s not so sweet.
Humidity.
And if you’re reading this, chances are you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Let’s dig into it.
Enjoy and don’t forget to comment at the end, I love hearing from you and subscribe to get access to FREE printables, newsletters, the latest posts and more.
Why Does Humidity and Heat Make Pain Worse?
Humidity doesn’t cause pain outright. But for many people living with chronic pain, it increases it.
Think of heat and humidity like background noise. When it rises, your body has to work harder to regulate temperature.
That can increase inflammation. This can make you feel more tired, and aggravate nerve sensitivity (hi CRPS, you relentless beast).
In CRPS especially, our nervous systems are like overly sensitive smoke alarms.
The body overreacts to all kinds of stimuli, pressure, temperature, and even sweat, as threats.
So when the weather is humid and sticky, our bodies can react like something is really wrong. This sets off flare-ups that feel so over the top to the situation.
Add in swelling from heat, reduced circulation, and dehydration (yes, it matters!) and suddenly a beautiful summer day can turn into a pain marathon.
So What Can We Do About It?
Let’s be real: we can’t control the weather. But we can tweak how we manage it.
Stay Cool (Literally)
-
Fans and cool rooms are your best friends. Keep the air moving to reduce that sticky feeling.
-
Use cooling creams, cold packs, or even a damp washcloth in the freezer for 10 minutes—heavenly on hot joints or CRPS flare areas.
-
Hydration is key. Your body manages temperature better when it’s well-hydrated. I keep a big bottle of juice nearby at all times.
Move Gently
-
On high-pain days, go easy. Yoga or a light walk in a cooler room helps circulation without overloading your system.
-
Consider doing your regular exercises in the early mornings before the heat peaks.
Prep Your Pain Plan
-
If your doctor has given you flare management meds, don’t wait until it’s unbearable to use them.
When the Pain Is Too Much: Mental Survival Tips
Chronic pain is exhausting at the best of times.
When flares hit, especially on a day you wanted to enjoy. It can feel like a double punch, physically and emotionally.
Here’s what I do to stay afloat:
Give Yourself Permission to Feel It
You’re allowed to grieve the plans that pain steals from you.
You’re allowed to feel frustrated, angry, or sad. That’s not weakness, that’s being human.
Distraction Is a Superpower
Some days I dive into books, my fave shows, or even weirdly soothing YouTube rabbit holes (don’t judge me). Find something that pulls your mind away from the pain for a bit.
Talk to Someone Who Gets It
Whether it’s an online support group, a friend who understands, or a therapist.
Connection eases the load.
Just saying “today was rough” to someone who responds with kindness can help more than you’d think.
Mindfulness—Without Pressure
I’m not about to tell you to “just meditate it away,” but even 30 seconds of focused breathing can dial things down a notch.
No pressure to be zen. Just a moment to breathe.
Try these popular practices I do.
Bee's Final Thoughts - You’re Not Alone
If summer is a love/hate relationship for you, too, welcome to the club.
There’s nothing wrong with your body being sensitive to weather changes. You’re not imagining it. You’re not weak.
You’re navigating something most people can’t see or understand.
So whether today is a sunshine-and-lemonade kind of day or a curl-up-in-the-dark one, just know: I see you. I am you.
Be gentle with yourself. You deserve it.
With love and a cool breeze, Bee 🐝
Bee’s Inspired Living
