The dog days of summer are upon us, and although it’s great to enjoy sun and fun during the hottest time of the year, it’s also important to know how to take care of yourself by staying cool when it’s a scorcher out there!
Here are some ways you may not have thought of to keep your temperature in check.
Wear Cotton – You may think quick-drying fabrics are best when near the water, but to stay cool when temperatures are soaring, think cotton. This fabric, unlike synthetics, retains water, keeping you wet and cool. Choose cotton especially when it comes to bandanas, hats, neck scarves and sarongs.
Keep Your Clothing Loose – When it comes to staying cool in the summer heat, choosing the right clothing is key. Consider wearing loose clothing like A-line dresses, tunics, baggy pants and natural fabric shirts and blouses. Loose-fitting clothing in light colors can help reflect the sun’s rays and keep you feeling cooler. Don’t forget sunscreen and protective accessories like hats and sunglasses!
Electrolytes Matter – You can drink water all day, but if you aren’t combining it with electrolytes (vitamins and minerals), you still run the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. You can get your electrolytes in food or in drinks like Gatorade or coconut water. Alternatively, you can choose to take electrolyte tablets which come in a variety of brands and flavors.
Wear a Hat – Wearing a hat with flaps to keep the sun from pounding on your head can do wonders in helping keep you cool. A hat or cap provides shade, can help protect you from heatstroke and protects your eyes. Some brands are even specially treated to protect from ultraviolet rays.
Try a Neck Cooler – A cooling towel, a gel wrap or a neck fan all wrap around your neck and lower your body temperature. It’s as simple as that.
Spritz Yourself with Chilled Tea – Brew mint or peppermint tea, and refrigerate it for a refreshing spritz.
Give Your Feet an Ice Bath – Dipping your feet in cold water can help regulate body temperature.
DIY Cool Packs – Make your own cool packs by filling a sock with rice and freezing it.
Freeze Your Pillowcase – Place your pillowcases in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime for a cool and refreshing night’s sleep
Eat Spicy Foods – Spicy foods can increase sweating which can help cool your body.
Sleep with a Cold Water Bottle – Fill a water bottle with ice and water and keep it by your bed.
Wear an Ice Vest – Ice vests can provide consistent cooling.
Close Your Blinds or Curtains – Keeping direct sunlight out of your home can help reduce heat buildup.
Avoid Strenuous Activities During the Hottest Part of the Day – Take it easy during the peak heat.
No Brainer…Drink Lots of Water – Stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water – preferably six to eight glasses of water per day. Sodas are diuretics that can cancel out hydration, so don’t drink soda to stay hydrated. Flavored waters and even watery fruits such as grapes and melons can also help you stay hydrated.
Know the Risks
The heat can have a serious effect on your physical health…especially during a heatwave. It is important to be on the lookout for signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Many people believe that heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the same things, but heatstroke is potentially far more serious.
Heat exhaustion is caused when the body loses excess water, salt and sugars through sweating. It can be treated by having plenty to drink, keeping out of the sun and knowing how to cool down.
Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature becomes dangerously high and the body is no longer able to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. Heatstroke can develop with little warning and quickly lead to a person becoming unresponsive. It’s important to cool them down as quickly as possible and call for help.
With these creative ways to keep cool, you’ll be able to beat the heat and enjoy all that summer has to offer. So, don’t let the soaring temperatures get you down – stay cool, stay hydrated and have a blast all summer long!
