6 Great Ways to Beat the Record-Breaking Heat This Summer

If you live in the United States, there's a very good chance you've already been dealing with record-breaking temperatures and heat advisories this summer.

Heat waves are no joke, and if you don't have air conditioning or it's become too costly to use it all the time, you're probably looking for some relief. Lucky for all of us, there are several actions we can take to avoid the feverish heat so we can stay more comfortable and safe. We've broken them down for you below.

Dress for the Weather

This one may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people simply don't take the heat into account when they're getting dressed every morning. If it's going to be hot, opt for airy and breathable pieces. Clothing that's too tight and clingy is likely to trap in warmth and make you heat up faster, as can anything made from synthetic materials. When you can, wear light colors (preferably white) because they absorb less sunlight than black and dark colors. Also consider style, as shorter sleeves and pants legs can also help with the flow of air.

This also applies to how you—and your furniture—are dressed indoors. If you haven't already, it may be time to exchange your warm winter bedding for thinner and breezier sheets. The same goes for any other blankets and pillows you might have on the furniture you lounge on throughout the house.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is key to essential to keeping your body and mind healthy all year round, and even more important when it's hot out and you're working up a sweat. However, simply chugging water all day actually isn't the best way to get hydrated. Without the proper nutrients, that water will right pass through (resulting in a lot of trips to the restroom. Instead, focus on eating foods that are packed with water, as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruit or even blended smoothies. If you are drinking regular water, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt can add electrolytes so you can effectively absorb that water as you sip.

 

Also read about: Everything You Should Know About Staying Properly Hydrated, According to a Doctor

 

Water Yourself

Water isn't just for drinking, and it may sound strange, but watering yourself can be one of the most effective ways to cool down. If you have the luxury of taking a dip in the pool, that's a great place to start, but if not, you can still take advantage of the wonderful cooling properties of water. Try hopping into the shower, without the heat on, to bring down your body temperature a bit and get your hair wet. Damp hair is bound to keep you chill for a while, giving a similar cooling effect to sweating, without the work. If you'd prefer, you can also wet a hand towel and wear that around your neck. These methods are even more effective if you have a fan on in the room or are able to get a cross breeze through a window.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Have a Hot Drink

We're aware that this sounds super counterintuitive—and maybe not the most pleasant—but when it's hot and dry out, drinking a hot (or warm) drink actually cools the body down. Conversely, drinking ice-cold drinks or having frozen treats can heat up your body as it works to heat back up to a base temperature. When you have a hot drink while it's hot out, your body goes into cooling mode, making you sweat more and resulting in lower temperatures. In fact, some of the hottest places in the world, including across Asia and the Middle East, hot tea is the beverage of choice when the temperatures soar.

 

Also read about: Here's the Tea to Drink for Whatever Ails You

 

Schedule Your Activities According to the Sun

In the summertime, it can be hard to resist the allure of the great outdoors, even when the sun's blazing. You don't have to deny yourself the enjoyment of the long days and time off if you plan accordingly. Consult forecasts to find out when the sun will rise and set to figure out the best times to go out. Plan your outings to coincide with the cooler and cloudier parts of the day, and avoid being outside when it's hottest. You might just fall in love with morning strolls watching the sun rise or evening strolls as it goes down as you dodge the sun's peak hours.

(via Unsplash)

 

Keep Heat Out of Your Space

In the middle of a heat wave, it's important to take the time to actively maintain the coolness of your home. When the sun's blazing, close not just your windows, but any blinds or curtains that can keep the sunlight out of your home and heat it up from the inside. Then, once the sun begins to go down and the weather cools, you can open up the windows to let that cooler air circulate. It's a small step, but it can make a big difference in the temperature of any home.

 

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