Buzz
This article will share simple and easy tips to cool down and stay comfortable during hot days. These practical suggestions can be used both indoors and outdoors, many of which don't require electricity, making them especially useful when you're outdoors or during power outages in the summer.
Steps
Dress to Stay Cool
Wear clothes with cooling properties. Linen and cotton fabrics are ideal for hot days. Loose-fitting clothes are generally cooler than tight ones, so opt for fabrics with a draping style. Avoid tucking your shirt into your pants or buttoning it all the way up.
Protect your skin. Long-sleeved shirts made from cotton, hemp, and other natural materials help deflect the sun's rays and protect your skin.
Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat is essential for protecting your face and providing shade for your head.
Wear a sarong for both men and women. Pair the sarong with a shirt, skirt, shorts, or trousers. You don't need to show your legs to feel cool. Both men and women will find lighter colors like white, light blue, pale green, or light gray to be refreshing.
Keep your feet cool. Consider wearing sandals that match your outfit. You can even wear ballet flats or white-and-black shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are also great choices. Going barefoot is refreshing, but be careful not to step on hot surfaces like sand. Avoid boots, obviously!
Apply sunscreen frequently throughout the day. The protective effect of sunscreen only lasts for a few hours, and even less when you're submerged in water. You need to reapply sunscreen regularly to maintain optimal coverage. However, don't rely solely on sunscreen—always combine it with a hat, long clothing, and shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Cool your body from within
Drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweat. You can also try fresh fruit smoothies.
Avoid excessive physical activity. Daytime is not the best time for exercise, sports, or jogging. Save these activities for the evening when the sun has set and the air is cooler.
- Slow your heart rate by breathing deeply. This will help soothe and cool your body.
Take a cold shower or take a cold bath. Even just a little water sprayed or splashed on your face can help. You can also use a washcloth soaked in cold water and apply it to your face and forehead for an instant cool down. If you need to cool down your entire body, soak a few towels in water and wrap them around your legs, torso, and arms.
Wet various parts of your body.- Stand or sit in the bath and turn on the shower to let the water flow over you, and you'll feel much cooler.
Use ice cubes.
Stay indoors or in the shade when the sun is at its peak. If possible, avoid being outside between 11 AM and 3 PM, as this is when the sun is the hottest.
Try to acclimate to the heat. Make an effort to adjust to the heat without relying too much on fans. This will help reduce your dependence on electrical appliances, which will be crucial in the event of a power outage during the summer.
Keep cool indoors.
Open windows to let in a breeze. Install screens to prevent insects from entering the house if they become a nuisance.
Use a fan. Fans help circulate the air and create a cooling effect. You can place a damp towel on the fan to create a mini air conditioning effect. Just make sure the towel is placed outside the fan's cage to avoid getting caught in the blades, and never leave the room without removing the towel from the fan.
Stay cool outdoors.
Seek shade. Sit still, read a book, or take a nap. The more you move, the hotter you'll get.
Go swimming. If possible, choose a swimming area with some shade.
Engage in water games.
Spray yourself with cold water multiple times. This method will help you stay cool and comfortable.
Advice
- Wait 15-30 minutes for sunscreen to dry before entering the pool! Sunscreen will wash off if you get in the water immediately after application.
- Alcohol dehydrates you, so avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Instead, remember to drink plenty of water.
- If you're staying indoors, keep the curtains closed throughout the day to block the heat from outside.
- If the ice cubes are too cold, wrap them in cloth or a towel.
- Do not eat anything cold, like ice cream, while under the hot sun. Your body will have to work harder to cool down cold food, which can make you feel even hotter in the end. The coldness of the ice cream will fade, but your body will remain warmer as it processes the cold food.
- Women with fabric headbands can dip them in cold water and wear them on their heads. It will help cool down your neck, ears, and scalp.
- Bring necessary items to stay cool. Money for cold drinks, a cooling towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other essential accessories can fit in men's bags, wallets, or beach bags.
- Electrical appliances such as TVs, computers, and gaming consoles generate heat. Be sure to turn them off when not in use.
- Another way to cool off is to fill a bowl with water or flavored water, freeze it, and then crush it with a spoon for a refreshing treat.
- Another way to stay cool is by drinking plenty of water and cold beverages, but be cautious not to become dehydrated.
- If you lose power, try using a battery-operated fan.
- Cold drinks raise your internal body temperature. It's best to drink room-temperature water during hot days.
Warning
- If you're sunbathing, apply more sunscreen than usual. Water can wash it off.
- Read the sunscreen label carefully. Check the ingredients and make sure it’s suitable for your skin type.
- Dehydration is a dangerous condition if not treated properly.
- If you experience dehydration symptoms, stop your activity – no matter what you are doing, take a break! Relax and drink cold water. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.
