Keeping your body cool under scorching heat is definitely a challenge. The risks of getting too hot may include dehydration and various heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stress.
In addition, keeping your body cool can also help keep your mood calm. This is because heat may exacerbate feelings of frustration, stress, and tension. Fortunately, there are various ways on how to beat the heat and stay cool. These include the following:
In This Article
Drink A Lot Of Water To Stay Hydrated
One of the ways to maintain homeostasis (regulated state of your body) and prevent heat headache is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
While iced water is your best bet when cooling down, things like energy or pop drinks would help you cool down, too. In fact, any liquid is better than drinking nothing. Just make sure to opt for water whenever it’s available.
Freeze Or Refrigerate Your Bed Sheets
Another way to keep your body cool under scorching heat is to try placing your bed sheets in your freezer or fridge for at least 30 minutes before sleeping. By doing so, you’ll never experience sleeping in a warm environment.
Moreover, consider investing in soft gel packs that you may place underneath your sheets or tucked between your legs.
Wear The Right Type Of Clothing
If you’re planning to continue your postpartum exercises or your daily exercise routine during hot summer days, you should dress accordingly.
Loose-fitting and lightweight clothing will help keep your body cooler. If it’s light in color, it’s better because it would reflect the sunlight and heat. Short sleeved shirts and shorts are great choices, too. Basically, something that allows the air to flow freely works best.
Below are some ways that clothing may maximize the ability of the body to stay cool:
Synthetic clothing tends to trap moisture that can make your fabric feel heavier, restrict air-flow, and stick to your skin.
Linen and cotton clothing tend to absorb moisture and keeps you cool. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen when wearing thin clothing since the clothing may not offer enough protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
Try To Make Everything Mintier
The different kinds of mint can create an illusion that makes you feel cool if your surroundings are too hot. It’s never a bad idea to eat mints after meals or get your hands sprayed with a mint-scented alcohol or cologne. Aside from that, you may also add mint leaves to your water or apply some peppermint essential oil on your skin after taking a cold shower.
Close Your Blinds And Curtains
The rays of the sun may convert to heat. But, if possible, you must block the rays coming into your home to avoid high temperatures.
Lowering shades, closing curtains, or blocking your windows may lessen the heat in your home, which can help you stay cool. Awnings work, too, because they keep the heat off the windows without blocking all light.
Avoid Protein-Rich Meals And Choose Cooling Foods
One of the ways to keep your body cool is to stay away from having a big meal that’s rich in proteins during summer because it warms the body and boosts your body heat, which may result in losing water.
If you need to take a certain amount of protein daily for your fitness goals, try to stick with protein-rich shakes instead. Shakes from berries may help prevent body overheating while providing you with the protein you require. Moreover, you may also try warm weather cocktails to beat the summer heat.
Try to consume foods that keep you cool provided that you make the right and best choices. Fresh raw food, fruits, and vegetables are great options. For example, a cucumber can keep you hydrated and allows you to stay cool.
Another good option is eating spicy peppers. You might think it’s a bit counter-intuitive, but it may help cool your body because they make you sweat, which provides a cooling sensation. Big meals require your body to work harder to break everything down. On the other hand, small meals also help keep your core temperature down.
Shower Often
To keep your body’s temperature under control, shower twice a day with cold water. If you’re working out, see to it that you take a shower after that. Not only would it keep you smelling fresh, but it’ll also keep you less irritated and cool.
Any type of exercise will make you sweat. Thus, showering is important as it’ll save you from getting rashes. If you don’t take precautions, irritation and red skin will be tough to combat when you’re sweating the entire day.
Use Air Conditioning
Whether your home is equipped with central AC or not, placing a small AC unit in your room can help you stay cool during summer. For instance, you may place your AC in an area where you spend most of your time. You may also try using AC at the highest possible comfortable temperature to avoid a huge spike in your electricity bill.
At present, there are various AC units you can choose from. Depending on your budget, choose the one that’s affordable and can cool your entire place.
If you don’t have an AC at home, look for public buildings that are air-conditioned. These can be a library or grocery stores.
Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol
Liquids like caffeine and alcohol do the opposite of hydrating your body. The reason behind it is that they soak up the water in your body and would just leave you feeling dehydrated. But you don’t need to cut them off of your diet. However, consider limiting their consumption to a day or two. Moreover, if you can’t cut them, keep on drinking water in between so the water level in your body is balanced and you won’t get dehydrated.
Conclusion
It can be tough to beat the heat and stay cool. However, by following the tips above, you’ll enjoy hot summer days without suffering too much. If you’re planning to spend some time outside, just make sure to reapply sunscreen every few hours.
