How to Stay Cool in the Summer Heat

I love summer, it’s my favorite season. It’s the time of year where we get to show off our summer fashion, spend days in the pool, and use the excuse of the hot weather to indulge in some tasty seasonal cocktails and eat plenty of ice cream.We also get the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, be that having fun on a staycation, or by fulfilling our travel bucket lists by heading out on vacation. 

Summer is a great time to be outdoors but it can be dangerous too because of how hot it gets. Even if you have air conditioning at your home or work, the second you step outside it’s hot as hell and humid. Just a few weeks ago temperatures hit record highs all around the world. People were avoiding the outdoors at all costs or they were spending the entire day in the water.

Here are some tips to help you stay cool during the summer:

Stick to the shade and sip lemonade

This is a no-brainer, we know, but if you really are feeling the overpowering effects of the heat, then you should find a shaded cool area right away. Not only will you start to cool down, but you will be less prone to heatstroke and feelings of general exhaustion. I worked as a lifeguard during the summers in high school and it was really important to drink a lot of water and to take breaks in shade. 

And while you could head indoors if you want to escape the sun at home, you might also prefer to purchase something that will provide you with shade outdoors. So, you might purchase a parasol or a giant garden umbrella; placing them in those areas of your patio or garden where you spend most of your time relaxing. Or consider installing an opening roof patio. Not only will this offer you respite from the heat, but you can change the settings so you can sit outdoors long after summer is over. 

Beat the heat with what you drink and eat

No matter where you are over the summer, always carry a bottle of water around with you, as this is the best way to keep yourself hydrated. You will automatically cool your body down too. You should also add water-based foods into your diet over the summer, as they will also cool down your body temperature. So, you might want to add plenty of cucumber to your summer salads, for example, and when you’re looking to have a snack, you might choose an apple or a piece of watermelon over less healthy offerings. And there are other, perhaps more surprising things that will keep your body cool over the summer, including curry and spicy peppers, as they will activate your body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Check out this list of cool-inducing foods and drinks, and include them in your diet on a daily basis. 

Wear your summer whites when the sun is bright

Despite the risk of a too-obvious stain from your ice creams and popsicles, in the summer months, you need to wear as many whites as possible. This is the best color to reflect light, unlike darker colors that trap heat and cause you to feel stifled in what you are wearing. Of course, you can mix things up a little with other colors, but opt for lighter pastels to protect you from any uncomfortable feelings caused by the hot weather. Be sure to buy baggy and loose-fitting clothes where possible too, as these allow for better airflow, and consequently, you will feel cooler in your outfit. Check out the summer whites collection at Converse if you still have room in your summer wardrobe for some extra fashion.

Accessorize to stay cool when you’re away from the pool

No, we aren’t talking about those fancy new shades you bought to make you look cool when you’re strolling down the beachfront. We are talking about accessories that will actively cool down your body, such as this wearable patch that can be added to your clothing. That one has only recently been announced, and we aren’t sure if it’s available to buy yet, but there are items that you can add to your virtual shopping baskets right now, such as the Ice Halo, a flexible headband that contains individually wrapped ice cubes to provide an instant cooling sensation. You can also fit it around your neck and your wrist, depending on your preference. 

Of course, you don’t need to spend a fortune as you can also create your own wearable ice packs. Check this link for a useful how-to guide. 

Stay cool inside when you’re feeling fried

It might be warm outdoors, but the temperatures can also be stifling indoors too. Your best bet is your AC unit of course, but if you would rather keep your electricity bill down, there are other ways to stay cool inside your home too.

If you can tolerate it, you might want to take a cold shower whenever you are starting to feel the effects of the heat, as this will bring your temperatures down. You need only stay under for a couple of minutes, so you don’t have to torture yourself. Top that off with the cooling effects of peppermint oil, and you will soon start to feel refreshed.

Another way to stay cool indoors is to build a fan fortress. Set them up in areas of your home where you are going to feel the cross breeze, and you will soon start to feel the benefits. If you don’t already have one, you might want to install a ceiling fan in your home too, being sure to set it in a counter-clockwise direction over the summer (and at high speed) for maximum cooling effect.

Finally, consider your bedroom. Setting up a fan in your room will help you sleep at night, but you should also change your bedding if you are sweating under the covers. These summer sheets will keep you cool and comfortable, so shop around for these or similar to minimize your sleepless nights. 

What are your best tricks for staying cool during the summer?