Is made from mostly breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or artificial fabrics that “wick” sweat away from the skin. [1] X Research source Uses mostly light colors like white and light blue, which absorb less heat from the sun. [2] X Research source Is fairly loose-fitting, allowing air to flow next to the skin. Shorts, dresses, flowing gowns, and looser shirts work well. Doesn’t leave much naked skin exposed to the sun. Especially important for people vulnerable to sunburn.
When it comes to hydration, plain old water is usually the best choice. If you’re exercising extra hard in the summer heat for longer than about an hour, a sports drink (e. g. , Gatorade, etc. ) can give you a boost of carbohydrates and electrolytes. [5] X Research source However, these drinks tend to contain lots of sugar, so balance your consumption with your daily nutrition needs.
Take a clean rag or sock and soak it in water from the sink. Wring it out to remove excess water so that it is still damp. Place it in a plastic bag in the freezer. After a few hours, take the compress out and lay it across the back of your neck. It should quickly have you feeling cooler. Re-soak it and return it to the freezer when you’re done.
Most important of all, take plenty of breaks. Resting allows your body to dissipate some of the heat you’ve built up from exercising.
Ceiling fans are great for circulating the air in an entire room. You’ll want most fans to run counter-clockwise in the summer. This pushes the air downward onto you, creating a minor “windchill” effect. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, smaller desktop fans work well. Point them at your face for constant comfort or set them on a rotating cycle to circulate the air in the room.
When you leave the house during the day, keep the windows closed and curtains drawn. Warm air will naturally rise to the top floors of your house and get trapped. When you get home in the evening, open a window on the top floor. Point a fan (large box fans are best) so that it blows air out of this window. Open a few windows on the bottom floor of your house. Keep the doors inside your house open. [8] X Expert Source Victor BelavusAir Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. The fan will blow the hot air out of the top floor, sending it outside. Cool evening air will flow through the lower windows and rush upward to replace it, creating a pleasant breeze.
You can also get the same effect by hanging a wet towel across a fan.
Most commercial air conditioners also remove humidity from the air.
Ice cream Popsicles Lemonade (or frozen lemonade) Snow cones
If you’re swimming out in the sun, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to prevent a painful sunburn. Get someone to help you get your back — being embarrassed is no reason to get burnt.
You may want to avoid this option if you live somewhere where water is scarce or a drought is occurring. This activity is entertaining, but it’s a fairly wasteful use of water.
