Stay cool and hydrated through the summer heat! Photo by Nathaniel Lash.
Let’s face it: it’s hot, and the heat is not going anywhere anytime soon. Rather than slump around our air-conditioned apartments all day, we need to be thinking about ways to beat the heat.
Believe it or not, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are probable consequences of not taking care of your body during 100-degree weather. Because I know no one wants to say they’re “that guy” that passed out from heat exhaustion, here are some tips to stay cool.
Stay hydrated
This may seem very simple, but you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to forget to drink water throughout the day. With internships, jobs and a social life, remembering to drink eight cups of water a day is pretty far down the list. But it’s important, so do it.
Avoid alcohol during the day
When your body has to process alcohol in your system, it is even more dehydrated. Drinking alcohol during the day’s prime heat hours is a really quick way to get overheated without even knowing it. If you are drinking during a hot week like this one, stick to drinking in the evening when temperatures are cooler and you’re less likely to overheat.
Too much sunscreen? Put on more
When the sun is hot and you’re outside throughout the day, you might become a little desensitized to how hot it is around you. You may not even realize you’re getting burned, but chances are you’re going to come home with a massive sunburn. Stay safe and skin cancer-free, and apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day.
Pick your meals wisely
Eating greasy food and tons of sugar is not going to go well with an overheated body. Pick foods that make you feel good and healthy, because your body needs to be strong to deal with 100-degree weather. Eat lighter meals, and you will be more apt to deal with the heat.
Too poor to have the air on all day?
We all know air conditioning is very expensive. If you can’t afford to blast cold air in your apartment all day, you need a cheaper way to stay cool. Invest in a good oscillating fan. Fan yourself with a sheet of paper. Stick your head in your freezer.
An excuse to eat lots of delicious frozen treats!
Can you say popsicles, Icees, slushies and smoothies? Nothing tastes better on a hot day than a refreshing treat — just make sure you control your sugar intake.
Listen to your body
This is really important. If you feel like you’re overheating, you probably are. Don’t push yourself too hard if you’re going for a run outside or you work outside. If you feel light-headed, grab a cold glass of water and relax. No one wants to faint in public.
Avoid dark colors and bulky fabrics
We all love slimming black, but this week is not the time. Colors that absorb the sun’s rays are just going to make you hotter. On that note, invest in a good pair of shorts because you’ll need them. Thick fabrics will just make you more sweaty and uncomfortable.
The likelihood of the weather cooling down anytime soon is slim, but if you take the necessary precautions, you can minimize your risk of being a sweaty mess.
