Summer is here, and with it comes the scorching heat that can sometimes make it challenging to stay cool and comfortable.
But fear not! We've got you covered with these 10 tips for keeping cool during summer:
1. Sun protection: The sun can be harsh during the summer months, so it's crucial to protect yourself from its harmful rays.
Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, wear sunscreen with a high SPF and remember to reapply it regularly.
Cover your head with a hat to shield yourself from direct sunlight and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.
2. Stay wet: As heat escapes through the skin, keeping your skin cool can help you beat the heat. Drenching a t-shirt in water or using a cooling spray can be effective in lowering your body temperature.
Alternatively, taking a cool shower or placing your hands and feet in cold water can quickly cool you down, as wrists and ankles have pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin.
3. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential in hot weather to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration. If possible, also consider drinking isotonic sports drinks to replenish lost fluids, salts, and sugars.
4. Keep your home cool: Make your home a haven from the heat by keeping it cool. Keep windows and doors closed during the hottest parts of the day to trap cool air inside.
Open them in the evening to let cooler air circulate. Use curtains, shutters, or blinds to block out the sun's heat, and avoid cooking or using appliances during the hottest times of the day to minimize heat generation inside the home.
5. Sleep cool: Getting a good night's sleep during the summer can be challenging due to the heat. Keep your home as cool as possible by closing windows during the day and opening them at night to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Consider sleeping in the coolest room of your home, preferably on the ground floor as heat rises. Stick to your regular bedtime routine, and use a thin sheet instead of a heavy duvet to regulate body temperature.
A lukewarm or cool shower before bed can also help bring down body temperature gradually.
6. Limit alcohol intake: While summer may tempt you to indulge in alcoholic beverages, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, especially in hot weather.
It can also disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling restless and groggy the next day. Drink alcohol in moderation and ensure you stay hydrated with water.
7. Eat light meals: Stick to light, well-balanced meals during hot weather. Foods with high water content, such as strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce, can help keep you hydrated and cool. Soups and stews with high fluid content can also contribute to hydration levels.
8. Limit physical activity: If you engage in physical activities like exercise or sports, plan them during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid exercising during the midday heat to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Remember to drink plenty of water and take more breaks than usual to give your body the rest it needs.
9. Utilize shade: External shading of windows can block a significant amount of unwanted heat gain. Consider using awnings, adjustable shutters, trees (preferably deciduous, so they don't block winter sun), or vegetation around windows to block out the summer sun and keep your home cooler.
10. Wear suitable clothing: Choose natural fabrics for clothing that is light-colored and loose-fitting.
