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With summer just around the corner, you're probably already gearing up and getting ready for the heat waves that will inevitably follow. Make sure you don't sit around suffering in sweaty agony as temperatures start climbing closer and closer to the triple digits! Being prepared and smart about the weather can allow you to relax and enjoy even the hottest of summer days.
Shade Is Your New Best Friend
It would be nice if you could just stay inside in cool, air-conditioned bliss for the entirety of summer. Unfortunately, that's just not the case. Sites like Medicine Net provide lists of ways to keep cool in hot temperatures, which is a must-have for anyone expecting to go outside at all during the hottest days of the year. Staying in shady areas is one of the easiest ways to cool down when you're stuck outside. Look for building overhangs or trees, and on truly sweltering days, see if you can find any shade by open water. The breeze from the waterfront will add to the shade's cooling power, allowing your body temperature to drop even faster.
Avoid Excessive Exercise
It's a given: the more you work out, the hotter you'll get. While this isn't always a bad thing, it can definitely hurt you in the scorching months of summer. Avoid rigorous workouts when the temperatures are too high. This includes incidental workouts, like the physical exercise you get from gardening or landscaping on nice days. Keep an eye on the temperature and the amount of work you're doing and don't force yourself to stay in the sun longer than you should.
Eat a Little Lighter
Heavy meals are great for the winter, but not so kind to your stomach during hot months. The Guardian has a list of what you should eat and drink during a heat wave, which can be used any time the weather is particularly hot. Cool, easy-to-make meals are suggested, like cold luncheon meats or fresh salads. Cold soups may also be enjoyed. Generally speaking, you should try to avoid fatty or meaty dishes, since that might contribute to the slowing of your metabolism, which can leave you feeling sluggish, sweaty, and grumpy throughout the day.
It's also common in many Asian countries to eat spicy foods when it's hot out. This will make you sweat, which will, in turn, allow you to cool off more quickly as your body's natural air conditioning kicks in and works its magic. Soups like pho or hot rice porridge are common foods of choice when it comes to beating the heat with more heat.
Drink a Little More
Keeping hydrated in hot summer days is crucial. Make sure that you pack water with you when you will be away from water sources for an extended period of time. If you're spending time around areas that have water fountains, vending machines, or other locations where you can drink up, don't be shy about stopping for water breaks! Some people refrain from drinking because they don't want to be inconvenienced by having to use the bathroom, but dehydration is much worse. Consider buying a water bottle with a built-in filter, as well. This will allow you to refill from water fountains that might have unpleasant tastes which would make you reconsider drinking from them under normal circumstances.
Dress in Loose and Airy Clothing
Summer isn't the time to be experimenting with tight clothing or fabric that doesn't breathe. Stick to cottons and other natural fibers that will wick up sweat and allow the breeze to reach your skin easily. Sites like tobi have wide selections of summer-specific fashion available for you to peek through. Big, flowing dresses and cropped tops are going to be in this summer, which is a good thing for everyone. The more loosely-fitted and breathable an article of clothing is, the better it is for your body and your overall comfort in the hot summer sun.
Even if you can't guarantee that you'll always be cool during the summer, you can definitely work toward preventing yourself from being too hot. Making smart fashion choices, eating well, and limiting the amount of direct sunlight that your body takes can all help you to enjoy the summer in style and comfort this year.
