It’s summer in many parts of the world. Due to a rapid climate change, every year it’s getting worse.
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Living through a hot summer seems impossible but these tips and tricks might help you to keep your cool:
- Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times — early morning or late evening. If you can’t change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead of running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
- Depending on how hot your location is, there’re certain times of day that are essential to capitalize on. Before the sun rises and after it sets you to have a few golden hours of cooler weather. Take this time to water your plants, go for a jog, or enjoy a meal outside.
- Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
- Peppermint oil both contain menthol which has cooling properties. Add a few drops to your diffuser at home, or make your body mist for when you’re on the go
- Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
- Keep bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you’re ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you’ll have a supply of cold water with you.
- Take frequent baths or showers with cool water.
- Consume foods that are cooling to your internal systems. Go for sweet and ripe summer fruits, fresh veggies, and foods that are bitter or astringent rather than salty or spicy.
- Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
- Keep a cucumber in your fridge and cut a couple of slices to soothe your eyes after a long summer day. It won’t only reduce pompousness and dark circles around eyes but bring down the overall temperature of your body.
- If you’re wearing a cap, remove it and pour a bit of ice-cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place it on your head.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these substances encourage dehydration.
- Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low-fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won’t have to cook next to a hot stove.
- If you don’t have to air-condition, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, malls, or other public space that is cool.
- Sometimes we need to cool our minds as much as we need to cool our physical body. Take time every day to slow down and meditate. A few minutes of deep breathing and relaxation will go a long way.
- Sleep naked. That what I do all the time!
- Take it easy, especially if you tend to overheat. There’s plenty of hours in the day to accomplish your daily goals. Create time to relax and don’t overexert yourself running around town. It’s too dang hot!
- Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight.
Heatwaves can pose significant health risks. Knowing how to keep cool can save lives. Take care of yourself and others.
