8 Tips on How to Combat Summer Heat Waves

Many heat waves have been recorded in 2022, and the UK, in particular, saw the highest temperature in its history. And while some countries may be used to excessive heat, others find it very hard to cope with it. There are so many ways that heat can affect your everyday life, which is why we thought we’d provide you with some advice. It’s the little things that can keep you sane and make you feel a little better under the sun’s sizzling hot rays.

Bright Side knows that the whole world is currently facing super high temperatures, and hopefully we can offer you some helpful tips on how to deal with the issue.

1. Keep the curtains closed.

While a nice A/C would solve the heat problem right away, if that isn’t available, you can start by keeping the curtains or blinds shut. This way, you keep the bright sunlight out and your interior spaces will be cooler. It’s a good first step that might also save you some money on utility bills.

2. Create a homemade “air-conditioning” system.

Getting a fan to help you keep cool is the best and easiest choice for anyone. However, when the environment you’re in is extremely warm, the air from the fan will also be hot. In this case, what you can do is place a bowl full of ice in front of the fan and sit across from it. The warm air from the fan will start getting cooler after uniting with the ice.

3. Make sure to do your shopping early in the day.

Most people do their shopping by traveling in their cars, but a closed vehicle can reach more than 200 °F (93 °C). You can, of course, blast the A/C, but that will eat up a lot of your gas. That’s why you’d better go shopping early in the morning when your car is still cool. Doing that activity later in the day is not a good idea, as the car will have gathered all that heat from earlier in the day.

4. Avoid coffee and drink water instead.

Sugary soda, caffeinated drinks, and energy drinks will lead to dehydration instead of helping you cool off. The best thing you can drink is cold water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. This is because high temperatures make you sweat and, therefore, lose water from your body. If you don’t replenish the lost hydration beforehand, you could face a severe dehydration later.

5. Don’t exercise during the hottest times of the day.

While many people go to their nearest gym, which usually has A/C, others choose to exercise in the open air. Whether you enjoy running or doing yoga at the park, you should leave those activities for after the sun has gone down or early in the morning. This is because exercising in heat puts extra stress on your body and makes it increase its core temperature. Exhaustion, heat cramps, and heatstroke are some of the illnesses you might face.

6. Don’t forget about sun protection.

Wearing sunscreen is vital, even if you’re just going out to your nearby store to grab a bottle of water. But it’s not the only protection you need, since a hat can also become your best friend. However, if you feel like it’s not enough, you should think about carrying an umbrella. The shade it provides protects not only your head, but also your entire body.

7. Eat foods that are high in nutrients.

Many people can’t eat the same amounts of food during the summer, and heat is to blame. The best dietary advice on the matter is to eat lots of small meals during the day instead of 1-2 large meals. Also, it’s best to opt for foods full of nutrients and, more specifically, fruits and vegetables that have high water content. You might need to avoid sugary items that contain nothing but empty carbs.

8. Dress smart.

The problem with dark-colored clothing — especially black items — is that it traps heat from the sun. That’s why it’s advised to switch to lightweight, light-colored garments that reflect the heat and sunlight. Also, loose clothes that don’t hug your body seem to be a much better choice than form-fitting clothes that trap heat and make you sweat.

How’s the weather where you live? Do you often have to think about the heat before you leave your home, or is excessive heat something you rarely have to deal with?