Summer time can be a killer on your body. No matter where you live, the summer heat can sap your energy leaving you too tired to function. The most important thing to remember is to listen to the signs of your body; it will tell you when enough is enough. Here are some tips to keep your discomfort this summer to a minimum.
- Schedule physically strenuous activities for cooler times. That includes walking around the theme parks. Walking around in the heat and humidity can make ALL parts of your body sweat, and that includes your poor feet. When feet are wet, blisters can develop, so try to wear socks that are not 100 percent cotton. If you feel a hot spot developing, find a place in the shade to sit down. Take off your shoe and sock and inspect your feet. Put a bandage on the tender area, and let your feet dry. Dry feet are happy feet!
- Dress in light, loose, cotton clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton are much cooler than most synthetics (though there are new high-tech synthetics made specifically to keep you cool). Wide-brimmed hats keep the sun out of your eyes and provide some cooling shade. Loose fitting clothes allow air to circulate, keeping you cooler. The fewer clothes, the better, but make sure to be appropriate to the circumstances.
- Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher; the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels. You can get painful sunburn even on a cloudy day, so slather on the sunscreen every morning before you start out. Don’t forget lips, ears, and the back of your neck.
- Do outside exercise when it’s cool. If you have a walking or jogging routine, do it early in the morning or later at night when it is cooler. You don’t want to pass out on the trail or side of the road.
- Invest in a small pool or sprinkler system. Even a small kiddie pool can help keep you cooler for times when you have to be outside, or if your air conditioner is on the fritz.
- Drink lots of water, especially if you have to be outside. During the summer months, our bodies need more water than normal because we sweat so much. If you aren’t sweating in the heat, it’s a sign of dehydration, so drink up!
- Avoid alcoholic drinks, especially when you’re outside. Alcohol dehydrates us; so if you’re at a pool party or barbecue, put down the margarita or beer and choose water instead.
- Play in the water. If you’re not able to go to the beach or the pool, get some water balloons or a bucket of water. Water fights are a fun, rewarding way to keep cool.
- Purchase a fan. A fan can help spread the cool air in your house around; because the air is cooled from the AC, the breeze from the fan will be nice and cool.
- Eat something spicy. Spicy foods make you sweat, which will cool you down. Just make sure you have lots of water on hand!
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