Tips For Staying Cool This Summer

As the temperature increases outside, it can be difficult to stay cool. In some parts of the country, including some of the best places to retire, heat warnings can even be issued. Regardless of your location, it’s important to know how to stay cool this summer, especially if you lack air conditioning. Overheating isn’t just a matter of becoming a little sweaty; it can affect your overall health. So, we’ve compiled a few tried and true ways to stay cool this summer while still enjoying your favorite activities.

White is the New Black

While we agree that black is a classic color for wardrobe choices, it might be best left to winter. Dark colors like black and navy tend to absorb the sunlight, which can make you overly warm. During the height of summer, especially during the daytime, it’s best to stick to wearing light clothing that doesn’t stick to your body. Think linen and cotton clothing.

Drink Water

This tip is essential no matter the season, but it’s that much more important to drink water during the summer to stay hydrated. Sweating is one of the ways the body deals with heat, but you also tend to lose a good amount of water through your sweat glands. When you combine dehydration with high temperatures, the chances of passing out are much higher. Try storing a few plastic water bottles in the freezer to constantly have cold water on hand.

Work Out Wisely

We believe in the healing power of exercise, but when it’s a scorching day, use common sense. The heat is typically at its peak around mid-afternoon, but in some locations, it can begin to edge close to 90 degrees early in the morning. Consider working out during the wee hours of the morning or right at dusk if you must work out outside. Otherwise, it might be advantageous to purchase a gym membership specifically for the summer so you can stay cool and trim at the same time.

Use Cooling Materials

If you have to be outside, there are a variety of products that can help offset the negative effects of the sun. Wearing sunscreen won’t necessarily keep you cool at the time, but it will help prevent sunburn, which is hot and painful even after the sun has gone down. Consider keeping your sunscreen in a cooler full of ice for refreshing reapplications. Wrapping ice packs or cooling towels around your neck, wrists, or placing them under a hat will help keep the blood coursing through these pressure points cool.

Take a Dip

If you’re lucky enough to live by a body of water, be it an ocean, pool, river, or lake (which could be considered the best places to live, especially in the summer), put on your bathing suit and take a dip. It takes much longer for a large body of water to heat up so the water temperature will likely be cooler than the air temperature. Alternating between the water and the hot air will help keep you cool, but try keeping a spray water bottle on hand for a quick spritz while you’re resting and stay in the shade if possible.