With the summer heat fast approaching, it’s important to remember to stay cool, calm and collected!
There are few things I look forward to more than the summer heat. My body naturally runs cold, and living in Ireland, it’s all we ever seem to experience. But lately, our summers have really been heating up to the point where I’ve often had to seek out lower ground in favor of a cooler night’s sleep.
While experiencing warmer weather allows us to feel brighter, it can be dangerous if we’re not careful! Excessive heat can lead to a variety of medical issues, made worse by things such as chronic health conditions, age and manual labor. And if you own animals, they too need extra care and attention during a heatwave.
Here are just ten ways you and your loved ones (be they man or beast) can stay cool this coming summer!
Ten (plus) Ways to beat the summer heat!
Stay hydrated, and keep an eye on your pee.
First and foremost it’s important that you stay hydrated. Water helps us regulate our body temperature, allowing us to stay cool even when things get heated. While any water will do, the cooler the better! This applies to everyday life, but especially during the warmer weather. And while Corr’s and your favourite cocktail may make you feel like you’re drinking enough, alcohol doesn’t count. Nor does coffee much to my distaste.
The only real way to stay hydrated is by drinking plenty of water! You can even add some diluted juice to it if you fancy, but make sure you’re getting at least eight cups a day. Or more if you’re exercising or doing manual labor.
Not sure how to keep track? No problem! Simply monitor your urine. If your pee is clear or slightly yellow, you’re getting plenty of fluids. If it’s darker and you’re not peeing as frequently, then you need to up your intake! This is also a good way to monitor any children and vulnerable adults as they’re particularly susceptible to dehydration.
Struggling to stay hydrated? Check out this post from Simply Alex Jean on eating hydrating foods! There’s more than one way to meet your water quota!
Dress appropriately!
From one goth to another; ditch the black. I know it’s hard, I know it’s part of the ‘lifestyle‘ but black attracts and holds onto the heat. When the sun is at its worst it’s essential to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing where appropriate. If you want to go the extra mile, also consider the fabrics you’re wearing. You wouldn’t wear wool to the beach in twenty-five-degree heat, right? Consider breathable fabrics instead such as cotton or linen.
Don’t forget about your pets!
Before we go any further, let’s not forget about our furry friends.They can’t sweat in the normal way, they’re covered in fur (mostly), and the ground can be hot on their little ‘toe-beans.’ Therefore it’s essential that we ensure they are kept as cool as possible by ensuring adequate shelter, the availability of fresh water and even some cold treats.
If you have a dog, be sure to alternate walking times to the coolest parts of the day, be it early morning or late night. Under no circumstances should dogs be walked at peak times such as mid-day or early afternoon when the sun is at its hottest. This can result in burns to the toe pads and exhaustion from even the smallest of walks!
As for cats, ensure they have a cool place to rest and relax. Indoor cats are more likely to be cooler than those who roam outside, but if in doubt put the windows on the latch or pop on a fan. You can also buy specific beds that are designed to keep your pets cool from your local B&M, Home Bargains or even on Amazon.
Symptoms of heat related conditions in your pet!
- Rapid panting.
- Wide eyes.
- Lots of drooling.
- Hot skin.
- Twitching muscles.
- Vomiting.
- Dazed look.
Remember to call your vet if you’re concerned about heat stroke.
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.
This brings us nicely to my fourth point. Keep you and those your love indoors during the hottest parts of the day if at all possible. This is usually between the hours of ten in the morning and five in the afternoon. However, if you work outside, seeking shelter isn’t always feasible. In this case, it’s important you’re prepared with high SPF sun-cream, and access to cool drinking water. It’s also advised to wear a hat with a peak and neck protector, and that you use down time to stay in the shade.
Even if you’re a sun worshiper and plan on getting a tan, remember your sun protection. Protecting your skin should be your top priority to prevent the development of serious skin conditions, the most pressing of which is skin cancer.
Finally, remember to make sure your kids are well-covered! Their skin is extra sensitive, so it’s very important they have the right UV protection! Check out this blog article from Petit Peepers for more information!
Use a fan or air conditioner.
In the UK air conditioning units aren’t as commonly found within the home. We don’t need it for a vast portion of the year, and from what I can gather they can be quite expensive! But what we do have are fans! With the UK temperatures set to soar higher than ever, many will be rushing to secure a fan before they all sell out. In fact, I spotted a variety of household fans on sale as early as mid March, meaning we’re heading for a scorcher!
Finances permitted, make sure you have a fan on site in case the heat becomes too much to bear. If not for you, for your pets, the young and the elderly, all of whom are more susceptible to extreme temperatures than the average adult.
Cheaper ways to protect your home from the summer heat.
With the cost of living at an all time high, many of us will be looking for ways to reduce our monthly expenditure. Fans and air conditioning units are notorious for driving up the electric bill, so you’d be forgiven for seeking alternative means. Here are just a few.
- Close your blinds early in the morning.
- If you live in a country where heatwaves are the norm, why not invest in other ways to block the heat. This could be awning above windows and doors, or landscaping such as large trees that create shade.
- Close doors to rooms you’re not using the seal in the cool air.
- Use draft excluders around gaps in door frames.
Do you have any other ideas on how to keep your home cool? Comment below!
Take a cold shower or bath!
I’m the first person to admit that I love a hot shower. The spicier, the better! My husband often comments that my showers are like walking into the pits of hell on a summer’s day. But in the summer heat, it’s simply unbearable!
Last summer when we hit a record high of thirty degrees, I came home from work and sat on the floor of my shower in freezing cold water. I was both overwhelmed and overheated! While it was unpleasant at first, I slowly adjusted and it quickly became a normal part of my routine.
Cool showers or baths can help lower your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable in the heat. Not to mention they are proven to have a lasting, positive impact on our mental health.
Eat light, refreshing foods.
In the summer heat I often find my appetite depletes. I no longer crave comfort foods, instead opting for ice-lollies and salads. Perhaps I’m within the minority, but I just find a heavy, carb-rich meal much too heavy when I’m already overheated!
The summer is the perfect time to experiment with salads, and the lighter foods in life. In my day job we deliberately move seasonal fruit and vegetables forward to encourage our customers to make salads. Not only is it a perfect opportunity to eat something a little more healthy, but these foods also help us feel cooler and encourage hydration.
Stay in the shade.
If you have to be outside, try and stay in the shade as much as possible. Understandably, if you’re working or walking, this can be difficult. If that is the case, ensure you’re wearing the correct sun protection and taking regular breaks in a shaded area.
Exercise in the morning or late evening.
When the sun is shining it’s often a great opportunity to get out and exercise in the heat! But be aware that the hotter the weather, the more difficult it’s going to be for your body to cope. Even if you’re an avid sun worshiper, it’s always better to exercise in the early morning or late evening to prevent heat exhaustion.
Use a spray bottle or wet towel to stay cool.
Air conditioning may not be available to everyone. Especially when outside. Instead, use a spray bottle filled with cold water or a cold towel to keep yourself cool. These items can be used if you’re simply sunbathing in your yard, or stuck in a stuffy office!
Stay informed on weather changes.
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast for your local area. These should flag up any warnings of extreme weather changes and give you the opportunity o make an informed decision.
Know your medications!
Did you know that some mental health medications can cause us to be more susceptible to overheating? Neither did I! Antipsychotics are among some of the most common to cause problems, but so can some SSRI’s, and tricyclic antidepressants. In fact, it’s good practice to research any medication you take, be it prescription or over the counter, or you can speak to a GP or a pharmacist.
But why are we more affected by the heat? They can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and even cause us to sweat more. So staying cool and hydrated is even more important!
Head downstairs.
When things heat up, my husband and I pull the mattress down into our seldom used living room. We bought two single mattresses just for this purpose in the summer of two-thousand-nineteen. Every year since we’ve spent at least three weeks of July or August sleeping downstairs due to the heat.
If things are getting too warm upstairs, go down! Heat rises, so naturally the top most rooms in your home are going to be the hottest.
Be able to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Much like everything in life, we’re all different. My tolerance to heat might be very different from yours, so it’s important you know and are able to recognise the symptoms of heat related conditions. Heat exhaustion is categorised by things like heavy sweating, sudden weakness and digestive issues. This can be treated by moving to a cooler area, taking time to rest and drinking plenty of water.
Heat stroke is far more serious! It can be categoarised by a body temperature of over thirty nine degrees, visibly red skin, a lack of sweat, a rapid pulse and confusion. Heat stroke can not be treated at home, and requires immediate medical attention! Don’t hesitate to call your national emergency number (999 or 911).
Are there any other ways you’ve discovered to beat the summer heat?
Thank you for these great tips.
I’ve had the fan on whilst working from home. And I only recently learnt that antidepressants and sun exposure can be a bad combination.
These are great tips to beat that summer heat! Usually, in Southern California, it is hot this time of year. Unfortunately, “June Gloom” is among us, and the temps are cool. That will all change, though!
This is great advice! In Denmark, AC isn’t common either, but we do have a tower fan. I am conscious about when we use it though because it does drive up the electric bill. We also keep our curtains shut during the day to block out the sun. We did go to Flying Tiger last week and got a hand fan that you use by pushing on this lever, and you can also fill it with water and have it mist, and we have used it a few times in the afternoons. Also, it’s great you talked about pets! Back in Texas my parents and I would make frozen peanut butter treats to help keep our dogs cool.
It’s such a drag that coffee doesn’t count for hydration! Lol I enjoy drinking water though, and try to always stay hydrated but definitely in summer! It gets hot in Georgia. These are all wonderful tips! 🙂
Living in Florida, you must be prepared with ways to beat the summer heat. I actively practice just about every one of your tips.
The perfect list for the weather that I’m having hear in the UK. I have been drinking lots of water and eating a lot of fruits.
You have covered all the necessary points, Nyxie. I really love the part about taking care of pets during the summer season. Also, taking care of heat-related illnesses is very important. With extreme weather conditions worldwide, it’s challenging to find natural ways to stay cool. Wonderful post, Nyxie.
Quite simple and practical suggestions. We follow most of these here in India during this season.
Wow! These are all really great and very helpful tips! I’m gonna keep this in mind thanks for sharing this with us
I love taking cold showers in Summer! And of course don’t forget ice cream and cold drinks. Great way to beat the heat.
Funny you should mention the exercise tip. I’ve been doing that lately. Early mornings and late evenings are so much easier to exercise in as its a lot cooler.
Having little kids it can get rough! Especially here in TX!
I always look forward to the summer but man, that heat can get cha if you’re not careful. These tips are all relevant and necessary.
I love in Charlotte and things are starting to get steamy! I currently am working out early in the morning, but might have to move to evenings soon. Thanks for the tips!
I drink SO much water in the summers, it is crucial!! Thanks for the tips 🙂
I am a summer child, and we have been having nice sunny weather for a long time now, but it hasn’t been raining for over a month now and it is visible in nature…so hydration is very important not only for nature but for us too! Thanks for sharing!
I just pray for a HOT of Summer weather here in Scotland.
Summer and the heat are what I look forward to all year long! But you are so right – it’s important to stay safe and mindful of the season, I love that you included pet safety tips for our four-legged friends, too!
I definitely learned something new in your post when you mentioned being mindful of the heat when taking certain medicines. I had no idea this is something to take into consideration. I love your other suggestions as well. Thanks for sharing.
These are great ideas! It’s starting to heat up here in Missouri, so I’ll keep these in mind, especially staying hydrated. The “dress appropriately” part made me smile to myself. I dress for the outside temperature, but so many places I have to go are so cold in the summer! I’ve started bringing a hoodie with me everwhere I go, just in case.
Can you believe I am reading this in Dominican Republic. It is now so hot and sweltering outside. I perfectly understand what you mean by the water ‘the cooler the better’. Everyday I would put water in the freezer to fast cool it down. Otherwise the bottle quickly turned hot. Thanks for sharing these useful tips.
Great tips. Living in South Florida, heat is no stranger to me. I think staying hydrated is one of the most important tips!
Your tips are like home truths that need repetition. In North India, summers can be very depleting and I could use all your suggestions. The most important tip is to remain hydrated so as to avoid heat strokes.
Your tips and suggestions were fantastic and practical, offering a variety of creative ways to stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Your friendly writing style and the inclusion of refreshing ideas made it an enjoyable read. Thank you for sharing these helpful insights and helping readers make the most of their summers while keeping cool!
It’s already getting so hot except when it rains and thanks a lot for the tips! I think it will for sure helping using cooling down. – Knycx Journeying
Hydration is key to beating the summer heat. I usually drink a little more then recommended during the summer months
I am not a fan of summer heat or sunshine (the life of a natural redhead, haha)! Where I live in Ohio it can get really, really uncomfortably hot so any tips to help ease this are welcomed. I try to get up earlier in the summer as by 9am the heat really sets in (sometimes the temp can be in the 80s by 7am – and then keeps getting hotter and hotter) and I like to do things in the cooler hours. Thanks for sharing!
Aaahhhh….this makes sense now! Whenever it’s hot and you are in the high rise, it’s simply unbearable there. I drink a minimum of 3 litres of water a day! Thank you for this.
These are great reminder and practical ways to observe this coming summer. Though we look forward this season and go to the beach. Thanks for sharing this anyway!
Such a great list of ways to beat the summer heat! I’ve been hearing so much about cold showers and cold plunges recently, mostly for their mental health benefits. I also take cooler showers in the summer, but usually never get past lukewarm. I’m hoping I can start easing myself into a cold shower just for the benefits! And such a great idea about heading downstairs when it gets warm. I used to have a bedroom upstairs and never thought of this simple change. I’ll have to keep that in mind for the future!
We can have a lot of heat waves here during the summer. It is good to have some strategies to help beat the heat!
I love black and most of my clothes are black *( But yeah Its not the best choice to beat the heat.
We like to go in the basement when it gets warm. Great ideas!
I like that you mentioned ensuring your pet doesn’t get overheated in the summer. My daughter works in a vet clinic and says that pets come in often in the summer for this.
I used to live in Canada and now living in Vietnam so I know it’s better to not living in a cold place. Actually, thirty degree is normal to us and somehow it’s cool temperature.
Also, be careful of using cold bath or shower to cool down your body. It could make thermal shock and it’s so bad to your body.
I prefer the heat over the cold anyday. You shared some very practical ways to stay hydrated and cool during the hot summer months. The pee tip is a good one. Thanks for sharing.
As someone who grew up in SW Florida and now lives in SE Texas, we know all about the heat and ways to stay cool. I did not know about the medication thing either, so that is good to take note of.
I love summer and the heat, but you are so right – it’s important to stay safe. I appreciate you included pet safety tips for the fur babies, too!
These are great tips! Here in Canada, the summer heat can be highly overwhelming (think the high 30s for weeks on end), and having a multiple-story house is a plus. At night we sleep downstairs in the basement because there’s nothing worse than sleeping in the heat. A tip I’d add would be planning events/outings outside of peak times, either early in the day or later in the afternoon that would prevent heat strokes etc.
Thanks for the summer tips!
These are great tips. People know to stay hydrated but may forget to do these other tips. Thanks for sharing.
These are great tips. It’s been so hot recently so we’ve been doing everything we can to beat the heat and stay hydrated.
These are some really important things to remember. I always worry about my pets when the weather is hot. I need to drink more water as I am rubbish about that. Thank you for sharing your suggestions.
Lauren x
Fab tips. When my anxiety was really bad, Summer was a terrible time for me because getting hot was one of my anxiety triggers. Thankfully I’ve got over that and over the last few years have really started enjoying Summer again, which has been lovely! I used to really worry about Rory in the Summer, keeping an eye on your pets is SO important.
Last year in July, it hit 41 degrees in London / midlands and it felt like hell on Earth!