It is a habit that confuses many people. The weather is hot. The air conditioner is running. Temperatures outside are climbing past 90 degrees. Yet some people still step into a steaming hot shower. Friends and family may wonder why anyone would want more heat during the middle of summer. Psychology suggests the answer may have less to do with temperature and more to do with what hot water does for the mind. People who consistently choose hot showers, even during warm weather, are not necessarily ignoring common sense. In many cases, their brains may be responding to psychological needs involving comfort, routine, stress reduction and emotional regulation. Several well-established theories help explain why.
