Ways to Beat the Heat

There are few things that many of us love more than the summer sun. Getting to enjoy the sunshine, work on your tan, and relax in the warmth is something that many people look forward to all year round. With hot summer temperatures, having fun in the sun comes with some risks. High heat not only makes you feel sweaty and miserable, it can also present a pretty serious risk to your health and wellbeing. With that in mind, here are just a few ways that you can beat the heat.

Dress lightly

Okay, so this seams like a no-brainer, but I actually mean this two ways. First, and most obviously, you should avoid layering your clothing. There are tons of cute styles that include kimonos and other types of over shirts, but avoiding these in the hottest part of the summer will help lessen the feel of stifling heat. Wear loose clothes made from fairly thin, breathable fabrics. You want to take advantage of those summer breezes and breathable fabrics will allow that air to reach your skin.

Second, you should stick to light colors. Summer styles tend to include brighter colors that reflect the sun rather than absorb it. You can also wear clothing with built in SPF. The goal is to keep your skin feeling as cool as possible. Cotton is breathable and also will absorb sweat to help cool you down. Linen is also another great choice for summer clothing. It’s loose weave allows maximum air to flow through.

Use efficient air conditioning

There really is nothing like stepping into an air conditioned room on an insanely hot day. The benefits of an efficient air conditioning include humidity control. I cannot tell you how much water is removed from our system on a daily basis. It seriously is enough to fill a multi-gallon tote.

You have to be careful of your thermostat setting, as air conditioning wreaks havoc on electric bills in the hotter months. The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer. To remain comfortable with this setting, you can add black out curtains to keep the hot summer sun from bearing down through your windows. And as always recommended, be sure windows are sealed and not letting hot air in. Smart thermostats can be programmed to have a different setting at night than in the day. This will help lower those energy bills.

Use fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to make yourself feel cooler. While they don’t actually change the temperature of a room, they give the feeling of being cooler. It’s like wind chill temp on a cold day. You can raise the thermostat a bit and put the ceiling fan on high to get the same feeling result.

There are also several cooling fans on the market that actually blow cold air and don’t just circulate existing air. These can make a huge difference, especially in slightly smaller spaces. These fans are portable and much less expensive than regular air conditioning. Some come with air purifiers which makes you space even healthier as well as cooler.

Tips from Texas Dept of Health

If you’re going to be out in the sun, you need to stay hydrated. I don’t mean just chugging a few beers. You need to drink cold water, lots of it. Stick to shaded areas if possible. Wear wide-brimmed hats to keep the sun off your head and face. Take frequent breaks when working or playing outside. At the first sign of heat illness- dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea; immediately get to a cooler area and slowly drink a cool beverage.  

There’s no reason you can’t beat the heat while having fun in the sun. You just have to be smart and protect yourself.