July 14th, 2022 by Sarah Miles

Getting too hot when the temperatures soar is not only uncomfortable and unconducive to being productive, but it can also be a risk to health. Here are 10 easy ways to cool down when the weather gets hot.

1. More water, less caffeine (and alcohol!)
   One of the biggest risks associated with hot weather is dehydration and it can happen really quickly as you lose moisture through sweat. A headache is often an early sign of dehydration. The answer is simply to drink lots of water throughout the day. Beware of drinking caffeine or alcohol though as they are diuretics, which means you will lose more liquid than you take in. You can have them but make sure you top your levels up with water as well.
    
2. Block heat
   Prevent as much heat as possible coming into the house by shutting blinds and curtains, especially those getting direct sunlight.
    
3. Keep air moving
   Did you know that fans work by moving air over your skin rather than by actually cooling it? Create as much airflow in your home as possible by opening doors, windows, and internal doors. (Though remain security conscious so you don’t risk a sneak-in burglary). Positioning fans close to sources of air will augment the airflow and make the house seem much cooler.
    
4. Cool the air
   Fans don’t have to cool the air to make you feel cooler, but you can give them a helping hand. Place a bowl of ice or a frozen bottle of water in front of the fan to give it extra cooling power.
5. Stay low
   Warm air rises so the temperature low down will be cooler than it is high up. Stay low to keep cool. This could include lying on the floor rather than sitting on the sofa or sleeping downstairs at night.
    
6. Cool pulse points
   If you cool the pulse points on your body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin, it will cool the rest of your body. These include your wrists, feet, and temples. Hold a cold cloth to these areas or rinse under a cold tap.
    
7. Eat the right foods
   Knowing the best foods to eat, and the ones to avoid, can really help. Obviously, cold foods like ice cream will cool you down but sugar will increase your metabolism, which raises your body temperature, so sugar-free ice lollies are a better choice. Likewise, your body has to work harder to break down big meals, especially protein, so eat little and often and cut down on meat. Foods that are high in water, like salads, fruits, and vegetables will digest more easily and also help to keep you hydrated.
8. Make up a cold water bottle
   You probably have a hot water bottle at home but it’s not just a tool for keeping warm. Fill with ice and water and it will keep you cool!
    
9. Choose clothing fabrics well
   Choose loose, lightweight, natural fibre clothes, such as cotton, as these will feel cooler. Sportswear is often designed to wick sweat from your skin so your gym clothes could be a good option. Wear lighter colours too, as they reflect light whereas dark colours absorb it. Also, did you realise that pyjamas will make you feel cooler than sleeping naked? That’s because the fabric will absorb sweat better so you’re less likely to feel sticky.
    
10. Turn electrical items off
    All electrical items emit some kind of heat so turn off or unplug anything you’re not using like chargers, appliances, or even lights. It will reduce unnecessary heat as well as your bills and your impact on the planet so it’s a win-win!