How To Stay Cool And Comfortable In Scorching Summer Temperatures
Summer is popular among many people for various reasons. For starters, people prefer to travel to their preferred destination during this period. This is evident in the statistics indicating that over 80% of Americans made travel plans for the summer. The pleasant weather certainly allows you to enjoy more fun activities. You may choose to spend more time with your kids as they would be out of school – or you can take on some outdoor adventures, which are highly beneficial to your physical and mental health.
On the other hand, summers can be uncomfortable due to humidity and hotter temperatures. This, in turn, can make people feel flustered, uncomfortable, and even unhappy. Fortunately, you can still maintain your comfort even in the hottest of summers. How can you achieve this? Here are some helpful tips you can consider for the best results.
- Clothing and fabrics
Indeed, clothing helps you express your style while setting you apart from others. However, being in the wrong attire can make you uncomfortable and irritable. This makes it important to invest in the right summer clothing. It’s prudent to familiarize yourself with the best and worst fabrics before purchasing any attire. For instance, you want to avoid synthetic fibers like nylon and acrylic. This is because nylon has a low absorption level, trapping heat and sweat. On the other hand, acrylic can be abrasive and hot on your skin at high temperatures. You also want to avoid fleece since it traps moisture and reduces ventilation, making you warmer.
Instead, invest in clothing made from cotton, linen, denim, rayon, and silk. Regarding style, you’ll find it helpful to purchase loose clothing like these dresses with pockets. Loose clothing allows air to pass through your skin and accelerates sweat evaporation, cooling your body. You also want to consider t-shirts, midi skirts, shorts, and other lightweight attires.
- Hydrate regularly
Admittedly, you have a list of fun activities for the summer. However, this means being in the sun for a long time, and you can easily lose moisture through sweat and feel dehydrated. Dehydration causes fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and increased thirst. Left unattended, it can trigger low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shriveled skin, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, seizures, kidney failure, and death. Seeing these risks, it becomes essential to keep yourself hydrated regularly. Moreover, drinking liquids can help regulate your body temperature while keeping your joints lubricated. Additionally, it can increase your energy levels, allowing you to enjoy your summer activities.
Experts advise that men drink 15 cups of water while women drink 11 cups daily. Despite this, it’s not uncommon to forget to drink the required amount. However, you can achieve this with the right steps. For instance, you’ll find it helpful to sip small amounts throughout the day instead of waiting to be thirsty. You also want to carry a portable water bottle along wherever you go. If you find water boring, you can consider green tea, fruit-infused water, berry ice cubes, coconut water popsicles, etc. Fruit like watermelon, peaches, cantaloupes, and strawberries have high-water content, so feel free to consider them. Consequently, avoid alcohol, as it accelerates dehydration.
- Prepare your home
Sometimes, you prefer to stay indoors instead of spending time outdoors. While this seems ideal, humid and hot living space can be extremely unpleasant. Therefore, preparing your home for the summer makes sense. Indeed, your HVAC system can make your home cooler, but this can increase your energy bills. How can you make your living space comfortable without draining your finances? You can start by avoiding the use of heat-generating appliances during the day. If possible, shift your vacuuming or laundry to nighttimes to prevent your home from heating up during the day. You’ll also find it helpful to close your window blinds during the day to prevent hot air from seeping in. you can also install window screens and open your windows at night. This way, you can enjoy the cool air without worrying about bugs or vermin invading your home.
Consequently, consider installing an outdoor kitchen to limit your oven use. Moreover, summer is a great time for grilling your meals, so an outdoor kitchen is beneficial. Experts also advise setting your fan counter-clockwise. This way, the air blows down and keeps you cool. You can also get a smart thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature even when you aren’t home. Identifying and sealing gaps and upgrading your home’s insulation is also helpful, so keep this in mind.
- Avoid sun exposure
Staying in the sun can help you get a healthy dose of vitamin D, which is beneficial for your health. However, prolonged exposure to the sun can be more harmful than beneficial. You end up losing moisture, leading to dehydration. You also risk developing large, itchy hives, sunburn, and dry skin. These conditions can cause you to feel uncomfortable. However, prolonged sun exposure can be fatal if not addressed, as you can trigger heatstroke, coma, or death. Therefore, avoiding staying in the sun longer than necessary is essential.
The American Skin Foundation advises that you avoid stepping out in the direct sun from 10 am to 4 pm. This is because the sun’s rays are strongest during this period, and exposure can cause damage. If you must step out, wear good sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. You also want to stay in the shade often, so keep this in mind. As a tip, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for more protection from strong rays.
- Go for a swim
Water is effective for cooling the body, and what better way to get much water on your body than swimming? Moreover, it’s a fun way to keep your body active and regulate your body weight. Likewise, you can easily release stress while connecting with your family, friends, or new people. So, you want to consider swimming if you haven’t already. Despite its benefits, it’s still helpful to prioritize safety when swimming. For starters, choose a safe swimming location. It’s important to note that some lakes, rivers, or water bodies aren’t safe due to their currents or other hazards. Therefore, research your chosen site to ensure that you aren’t putting yourself in danger. Also, consider the weather conditions, especially if you swim in natural water bodies.
Consequently, bring your safety gear irrespective of how good you swim. A floatation device or life jacket can also prevent you from tiring out quickly, so keep this in mind. Swimming in designated areas is safe even if you’re feeling adventurous. This is because lifeguards only work in these areas, and you endanger yourself by straying from them. Likewise, it’s helpful to swim with other people to get help readily when needed. Avoid drinking and swimming, and stay within your limits for the best results. If you aren’t keen on outdoor pools or water bodies, you can get an inflatable pool and still enjoy a nice swim home.
- Shower regularly
Sometimes, a good shower is all you need to fight the hot temperatures. Despite this, you need to follow the right steps to achieve the best results. Consider cold showers, as hot water can dehydrate your skin and make you feel hotter. Likewise, showering before bed can help you feel cooler and more comfortable sleeping, so keep this in mind. Essential oils can also promote relaxation and enhance your showering experience, so feel free to consider these.
Although summer is exciting, it can quickly become uncomfortable. However, you can maintain your comfort with the right steps. Hopefully, you’ll utilize these strategies for the best summer experience.
