While some cities are dealing with a grey cloud of a summer, others are experiencing soaring temperatures well beyond the normal realm. As enjoyable as the sunshine and tropical temperatures can be, extreme heat spikes with the accompanying smog and poor air quality levels can make summer miserable – especially for those living without air conditioning. But fear not, there are fun ways to cool down and keep summer enjoyable.
Look Hot, Keep Cool
One of the best ways to cope with scorching temperatures is to choose cool, sweat-repellent fabrics. Firstly, choose loose flowing clothing that allows heat to escape the body. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk let the air circulate, and light colours help to reflect the sun. Some companies use fabrics with a tighter weave like polyester, as well as reflective coatings which offer some UV protection, and have technical features like vents to help wick sweat away from the skin.
Wear sandals whenever possible, or shoes with light socks. Ideally, footwear should have some form of ventilation to keep tootsies from getting toasty, something that can make the entire body feel overheated.
Fashion over function, no more! Loose and flowing is in, so ride the style train while keeping cool and comfortable. Add a funky belt to dresses and over-sized shirts to cinch in the waist for a little more definition. Gladiator sandals are all the rage and offer a more fashionable, work appropriate alternative to the flip-flop.
Go Nostalgic
Remember those hot summer days as a kid when anyone with a kiddie pool in their backyard was the most popular kid on the block? Fear not adults, nostalgia is the new black and the reincarnation of the kiddie pool is here. Throw on a swimsuit and relax in the pool with a cold bevvie, or have a BBQ with friends and fill the kiddie pool with drinks.
Other fun, kid-inspired options are running through the sprinkler and belly flopping across the Slip ‘n Slide. Neighbors will want to join in on the fun, guaranteed.
Be FAN-tastic
Fans are a terrific, inexpensive and easy way to keep cool. Whether it is the electronic version or hand-held, fans can be a saving grace on days where any ounce of cool air feels necessary for survival. An electronic fan can make sleeping through the night a possibility, and hand-held fans are great when lounging outside or getting stuck in traffic in a car sans air conditioning.
Pop a Popsicle
Popsicles are a fantastic (and yummy!) way to temporarily cool down one’s body temperature. For a healthier version of this summertime classic use fresh fruit, juice and yogurt to create your own flavors, and pour into a plastic popsicle tray. A few hours in the freezer and they will be ready to enjoy, guilt-free.
Go H2O
It may seem like a simple concept, but many people forget to up their water intake during the hot summer months. Water is a fast and effective way of cooling core body temperature while helping to keep heat stroke at bay. Anyone who has overdone it in the sun knows that being dehydrated as well as sunburned is one of the worst combinations in the world.
Fun ways to jazz up plain water include filling a giant pitcher with ice cold water and various fruits cut into chunks like cucumber, lemons, limes, and berries, or mixing fruit juice half and half with a sparkling water like Perrier.
Exercise Light
It is good to remain active in the hot summer months, but not at the expense of one’s health. Keep exercises light and less strenuous than normal, and try to avoid exercising outside when the air quality is extremely poor. Early mornings or evenings work best.
Utilize the elements, and exercise in or around the water. Surfing, beach volleyball and bike rides along the water are all fun ways of working out during those sticky summer days.
Rock Out with Sunblock Out
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is to remember to wear SPF. The misconception that one cannot get sunburned in the water, sitting under a tree or with cloud cover is utterly false. Water actually attracts the sun, making people more susceptible to sunburn. Sun easily penetrates the clouds and trees so make sure to sunscreen up, even in the shade.
Stay in tune with your body and know your limits. If you are feeling light-headed, nauseous or are having trouble breathing, seek refuge inside immediately. Many community centres allow people to come in to cool off, or visit your local mall or convenience store for temporary relief.
For more information,visit coping with a heat wave.
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