You shouldn’t let high temperatures keep you from enjoying everything that summer has to offer. Here are eight steps that you can take to stay cool in the hot summer months.
1. Wear Light Clothing
There’s a reason why white clothing is popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Light colors reflect the sun, which means that you’ll feel much cooler in white and pastel colors than in dark colors. You should also try to opt for loose-fitting clothing whenever possible, as it can provide better airflow and therefore keep you feeling cooler.
2. Jump in the Pool
One of the easiest ways to cool off in the summer is by taking a dip in the pool. Not only can the pool help you cool off, but it can also provide numerous health benefits, including a full-body workout and a healthy dose of sunlight. Looking up pool builders near me can help you develop a custom pool plan with experienced designers.
3. Stay Downstairs
As you may know from experience, heat rises. If you live in a two-story home, this means that the second floor will be warmer than the first. Therefore, staying downstairs can help you keep cool in the summertime. You can even try going to the basement, which will likely be the coolest room in your house.
4. Eat Spicy Foods
It may sound strange, but eating spicy food can actually cool you down in the summer. Spicy food contains capsaicin, a molecule that binds to the pain receptors in your mouth. This tricks your brain into thinking you’re hot and therefore cools you down by sweating. The good news is that this process occurs without your body temperature ever increasing, making it a great way to stay cool.
5. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Studies have shown that vitamin C can increase your heat tolerance by slowing down sweat gland fatigue. This means that you’re less likely to suffer from heat exhaustion or heat rash. Research has also shown that vitamin C prevents your body temperature from rising during heat exposure. Although the exact dosage required to stay cool hasn’t been determined, one study found that as little as 250 milligrams can do the trick. If you’d rather get vitamin C from your diet, consider eating:
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Bell peppers
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Kiwi
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Strawberries
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Oranges
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Broccoli
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Tomatoes
6. Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours
The sun is at its strongest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which means that you’re most likely to get sunburned or suffer from heat exhaustion. Limiting your exposure during this time frame can help you stay cool. If you have to be outside during peak hours, be sure to wear sunscreen and dress appropriately.
7. Stay Hydrated
It may seem obvious, but staying hydrated is key to keeping cool in the summer. Because you sweat more often in the summer, you need to drink plenty of liquids to replenish your body’s water balance. While water is the best way to stay hydrated, you can also drink herbal tea, coconut water or smoothies to stay cool. Be sure to stay away from diuretics, such as coffee, as they can have dehydrating effects.
8. Adjust Your Ceiling Fan
Did you know that your ceiling fan’s blades are tilted so that they can push air either upwards or downwards? In the winter, the blades should be clockwise, as this will pull the cooler air upwards and displace the warm air. However, you should set your fan to run counter-clockwise in the summer, as this will push more wind currents into the room. There should be a switch on the body of the fan that changes the direction of the blades.
Staying cool during the hot summer months is crucial if you want to take advantage of fun opportunities. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on an air conditioner, there are still many ways that you can stay cool during the most oppressive days.
