10 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER
It’s taken a few weeks, but the temperature is finally on the rise in Ireland. If you’re struggling with sticky commutes, uncomfortably warm homes and offices and sweaty bodies, we have 10 simple ways to beat the heat this Summer.
Wear Natural Fabrics
Dressing in warm weather can be tricky if you’re working you need to be office appropriate but also comfortable throughout the day. Cotton, linen, and silk breathe much better than synthetic materials and cool the skin more than anything made from artificial fibres.
Stick to Light Colours
Staying on the topic of clothes, opt for lighter coloured fabrics. Darker colours absorb the sun’s heat and stay warmer longer, while whites, creams and pastels reflect light and heat helping your body to regulate heat more effectively. Also, if you can ditch stocks and shoes and wear sandals instead as they will keep your feet cool throughout the day.
Keep Hydrated
Your body will feel cooler if you keep it hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, tea and coffee are good options, as are fruit juices, smoothies and soft drinks, but as they can be high in sugar, we would recommend keeping these options to a minimum. In fact, an alternative option to fruit juices would be to add mint leaves, orange, lemon or cucumber slices to your water to makes it tastier and refreshing.
Spritz Yourself Cool
Fill a recyclable spray bottle with water and put it in the fridge, then regularly spritz yourself with a refreshing cooling mist. If you want even more natural goodness, why not invest in a natural facial spritz like VOYA’s Ritzy Spritzy which will also deeply hydrate your skin with a special blend of organic essential oils.
Keep Your Home and Office Shaded
Close curtains and blinds to keep the sun out. The sun has a powerful heating effect on your home and office, especially if you have a lot of windows. By blocking it, you’ll cool your house and office significantly.
Invest in a Fan.
A fan on a low setting that can keep a light breeze blowing across your room can work wonders. While installing roof fans aren’t required for Ireland’s temperamental Summers, for occasional heatwaves, stand up fans will do.
Exercise Early or Late
If you exercise outdoors, whether it be running or walking, the best way to beat the summer heat is to run during the coolest part of the day, which is often before sunrise. If this isn't possible, run later in the day, closer to sunset, to minimize the impact from the sun's rays.
Cool Down Quick
Are you looking for a quick hack to cool down quick? Run cold water over your wrists, do this for 10 seconds on each hand. This will reduce your body temperature for roughly an hour.
Stay Indoors
When the weather is sunny and warm, we often feel guilty for not taking full advantage of being out and about, whether this is at the park or beach. But sometimes when the mercury is very high the best thing to do is stay indoors. So, take in that film you were meaning to see, go into an indoor adventure centre, or a shopping trip. Basically, anywhere that’s likely to have AC!
Jump into the Sea.
Have you read our blog on the joy of Sea Swimming? The relief from jumping into cold water during a period of extreme heat is unparalleled, it will instantly cool your entire body down whilst uplifting both body and mind with countless benefits.
