Summer Isn't Always Warm
Why My Fingers Are Always the Odd Ones Out at the Pool Party
Let’s talk about the great summer paradox: as the world sheds its layers and frolics under the forgiving sun, some of us are still rooting through the sock drawer. No, I’m not just obsessed with quirky patterns (though, admittedly, I do own avocado socks). I have Raynaud’s disease—a circulation oddity that turns my hands into patriotic popsicles, even when the ice cream truck is melting outside.
I know what you’re thinking: “Raynaud’s? Isn’t that the thing where you’re freezing all winter?” Yes, dear reader, but let me let you in on a little-known secret—Raynaud’s doesn’t check the weather app. Summer, for me, is a season of sun, sand, and gloves. And for some, loads and loads of socks.
Raynaud’s: A Quick, Icy Recap
For the uninitiated, Raynaud’s (pronounced ray-NOSE, not ray-NADS, though that would make for an entirely different blog) is a condition that causes blood vessels in your fingers and toes to spasm at the slightest provocation—cold, stress, or, apparently, a particularly enthusiastic air conditioner. The result? Digits that turn white, then grey, then red, like a moody traffic light or a patriotic parade gone wrong.
Most people associate Raynaud’s with winter. Well, I’m here to set the record straight: summer is just as treacherous for those of us whose internal thermostats are stuck in “Arctic.”
Summer Survival: The Good, The Bad, and The Numb
Let’s break down what summer is like for those with Raynaud’s disease:
· Pool Parties: While everyone else is making a beeline for the water, I’m eyeing the surface like it’s the English Channel. If I do venture in, I’ll be the only one wearing gloves—neoprene, not evening—because nothing dampens the mood like losing feeling in your fingers halfway through Marco Polo.
· The Great Indoors: Air conditioning is the mortal enemy. Step into a grocery store mid-Summer? I have to gear up like I’m entering the tundra. My purse is less a fashion accessory and more a survival kit: fingerless gloves, hand warmers, and the ever-present emergency pair of mittens. I’ve had cashiers ask if I just flew in from Alaska. “No,” I reply, “I’m just here for frozen peas and a touch of irony.”
· Cold Drinks: I see your refreshing iced latte and raise you a pair of gloves. Nothing says “I’m thriving” like sipping a margarita through a straw while wrapped in a beach towel, shivering politely as your friends bask in the sun. “Isn’t it a little hot for that?” they ask. “For you, maybe,” I say, “but my hands are already considering hibernation.”
Fashion Statements: Summer Layering (Yes, Really)
There’s something beautifully rebellious about showing up to a barbecue in July with fingerless gloves and wool socks peeking out of your sandals. Fashion magazines talk about “transitional pieces” for fall; I’m living the trend all year long. My Pinterest board is half “summer dresses” and half “Arctic explorer chic.”
You learn to get creative: a cute kimono here, a pair of lightweight gloves there. Scarves aren’t just for winter—ever tried a breezy linen wrap? It’s the ultimate in summer sophistication and blood-flow preservation.
Social Life: The Cold Truth
Raynaud’s is a conversation starter, mostly because people can’t help but notice when your fingers resemble blueberry popsicles in August. I’ve explained Raynaud’s at more summer picnics than I can count, and every time, someone asks, “Can’t you just warm up?” I wish it were that simple, sweetheart. If positive thinking could increase blood flow, I’d be a human bonfire.
Group activities can get interesting. Ever tried holding hands on a romantic beach walk while your fingertips are turning a festive shade of purple? It’s a vibe, all right. Or how about backyard volleyball, where catching the ball can send your hands into a numb spiral? “Sports injuries,” I say to inquiring minds. “Very niche ones.”
Summertime Adaptations: The Raynaud’s Toolkit
Having Raynaud’s in the summer means you become an expert in “just in case” planning. My beach bag is less about tanning oil and more about thermal protection. Essentials include:
· Hand warmers (yes, even in July)
· Lightweight gloves (works wonders for surprise AC attacks)
· Travel mug for warm drinks (iced coffee, who?)
· Small blanket or shawl (for those breezy evenings)
· Avocado socks, obviously (for morale)
While the world basks in the glory of summer, I’m scanning for the nearest heat source. I have a sixth sense for where the sunbeam falls at any given hour and can spot a chilled metal chair from a mile away. My friends have learned that if I suggest “sitting by the grill,” it’s not just for the smell of burgers.
The Hidden Perks (Yes, There Are Some)
All joking aside, there are a few unexpected upsides to having Raynaud’s in summer:
· No one ever steals your drink—who else wants a mug of hot tea at the beach?
· You get automatic sympathy points for helping with grilling (standing by the fire isn’t just a chore; it’s self-care).
· Your “summer” wardrobe gets more mileage than anyone else’s.
· If you ever need an excuse to opt out of water balloon fights, you’ve got the best one in the book.
What I Wish People Knew
Raynaud’s might be invisible most of the time, but in summer, it’s a little more obvious—and a little less understood. If you see someone bundled up at the pool or gingerly holding a glass with a napkin, cut them some slack (and maybe offer them a spot in the sun).
Having Raynaud’s means summer isn’t just about sunscreen and swimsuits; it’s about strategic layering, creative problem-solving, and occasionally explaining to strangers why you’re dressed for a ski trip in 30-degree weather.
By guiding individuals into a deeply relaxed state, hypnotherapy can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for Raynaud's episodes. Additionally, hypnotherapy can promote better blood circulation by encouraging the body to respond more effectively to stressors. Through regular sessions, individuals may experience fewer and less severe Raynaud's attacks, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.
If Raynaud’s has taught me anything, it’s that life is an endless game of sunbeam hide-and-seek—and I’m playing to win. Hypnotherapy might sound like a party trick for magicians, but for those of us with chilly extremities, it’s more like a secret weapon. Imagine relaxing so deeply that your body forgets to freak out about the weather and instead decides, “Hey, maybe we’ll let some blood circulate today.” With enough sessions, you might just find yourself with fewer “frostbite chic” moments at summer barbecues—and even catch yourself wearing flip-flops without a shiver. Improved well-being, fewer Raynaud’s attacks, and the chance to finally retire your emergency mitten collection? Now that’s a cool twist on self-care.
An Important Reminder
Before you go swapping your sunscreen for a hypnosis session, here’s a quick reality check: hypnotherapy isn’t a Hogwarts spell, and it must never sub in for medical advice. If you are tempted to chase warmer fingers through the power of suggestion, make sure your guide isn’t just someone who watched a YouTube video on swinging pocket watches. Ensure the hypnotherapist is a qualified professional. As with any treatment, it is essential to discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider (mittens optional) is the smartest move. After all, the only thing cooler than having Raynaud’s is being well-informed about your options.
Conclusion: Hot Tips for a Cool Diagnosis
So, the next time you’re basking in the summer heat and spot someone with luminous fingers clutching a cup of tea, know that there’s a story—and probably a pair of emergency gloves—in their bag. For us, summer is a season of sunshine, laughter, and a healthy respect for the thermostat. We may not have the warmest hands at the barbecue, but we sure have the best stories.
And if you ever need someone to hold your drink while you go for a swim, you know who to ask. Just don’t be surprised if I’m wearing mittens.
Stay warm out there. Some of us are doing our best.