Summer is right around the corner. While we all love the longer days and sunny weather, summer brings an inevitable wave of heat.
While perfect for a beach day, sometimes the extra hot weather can be less than desirable. So how can you keep yourself cool when the temperature spikes?
Whether you’re working from home or at the office, here are some tips for beating the heat throughout the summer.
Hydrate
Drink water and plenty of it. Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most important things when it comes to summer heat. Heat can result in excess perspiration and sweat, causing you to lose more water than usual. Not only is dehydration uncomfortable but it’s also dangerous for your health. Without the appropriate amount of fluids, you’ll feel fatigued quicker and your body will struggle to maintain proper function.
A good way to find out how much water to drink per day is to take your current weight and divide it by 2 — that number is how many ounces of water you should drink per day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds divided by 2 = 80 ounces. It’s probably best not to go over 1 gallon per day, as too much water can be harmful.
Staying hydrated will help you maintain your body temperature throughout the day. But you can drink more than water to stay hydrated (although water is always a great choice!). Some ways to hydrate while staying cool include:
- Smoothies
- Juice
- Fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon, pineapple, cucumbers, etc.
If it’s extra hot, it’s good to get some extra electrolytes to help you better absorb your fluids.
Choose cold foods and beverages
Try using a stainless steel water bottle for your water and put ice cubes in it. This will keep your water nice and cold all day. Cold foods and drinks can directly affect your internal temperature. Whether you choose to grab a crisp and cool glass of water or enjoy a popsicle, you’ll feel cooled down in no time.
Add a fan
Air conditioners are great in the summer but don’t forget about fans. A strategically placed fan can do wonders when it comes to beating the heat. Not only does it help circulate the air, but the breeze will help cool you down.
If you have the room, a rotating floor fan (or two) can help keep the room cool. Otherwise, add a small desk fan or even a handheld fan to beat the heat while you work.
Portable or handheld fans are a great choice because you can easily take them with you anywhere. Consider packing one if you plan to do any summer traveling!
Stay in the Shade
Yes – sometimes it can be extremely hot outside. But a breeze and fresh air can go a long way. Inside your office, hot air can stand still, making it feel hotter and stuffier than it needs to.
When you do get outside, try to stick to the shaded areas. Sitting at a desk for a long time is tied to adverse health effects, including high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
By going for a short walk outside, you’ll enjoy additional health benefits while beating the summer heat. Standing and walking around can help increase circulation and reduce back pain.
Don’t forget your sunglasses to keep the harsh summer sun out of your eyes!
Put cold water on your skin
Stay cool by taking a nice cold shower at the beginning or end of your day. If it’s too cool, try alternating between hot and cold temperatures in the shower. This will give you the added benefit of hot cold hydrotherapy.
Also, you can get a towel slightly damp and put in the freezer. When you pull it out, it will be nice and cold and you can put it around your neck to keep cool around the house or the office. This will be a great relief after going outside in order to cool down.
Close the curtains
We know natural sunlight is always a priority in an office. However, in the summer, the sun streaming through the windows can really amp up the heat in your workspace. If possible, draw the blinds or close the curtains to limit the amount of sun coming in.
We know it can be difficult to say goodbye to the sunlight, but with the longer summer days, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the sun before and after work.
Stay cool this summer
Summer is special but the excessive heat can make the season less enjoyable. Fortunately, there are so many ways to help you stay cool over the summer months.
Whether you’re headed to the beach or tackling your next project at the office, keep these tips in mind as the weather warms up. You’ll be ready for the next hot summer day in no time.
