August brings the "dog days of summer" and, for many of us, the opportunity to take a vacation or visit friends and family to create new memories.
It's also when heat and humidity hit their annual peak, which can make life uncomfortable for many and prevent us from wanting to do anything.
But you don’t have to let the peak of summer go to waste.
Here’s a collection of the best ways to stay cool and comfortable in hot weather.
Raise Your Hydration Game
Staying well hydrated is predictably a mainstay strategy for keeping cool in hot weather.
But how you do it can help you in more ways than you might realize.
Do these three things to maximize your hydration this summer.
Drink Regularly
Eight 8oz glasses of water a day should be the minimum you drink if you’re sitting indoors doing nothing. Drink more if you’re spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activity, and keep an eye on your pee. Anything darker than a slightly yellow tinge means you’re likely dehydrated.
Infuse Your Water
We love drinking water. We also know that gulping down nothing but H2O isn't for everyone.
But opting for carbonated or caffeinated drinks often means introducing things like sugar or restricting your body’s ability to rehydrate. The answer? Add a slice of cucumber, a wedge of lemon, or mint leaves to your water for a refreshing twist.
Buy the kids an infuser water bottle with an area where they can store their favorite berries. The berries will then naturally infuse into the water throughout the day. A great alternative to added sugar juices!
Eat Hydrating Foods
It’s easy to underestimate how much water we can get from the foods we eat – if we choose the right ones.
Cucumber, watermelon, and strawberries – along with many other fruits and vegetables – all have high water content and are tasty treats that help us to rehydrate!
Dress Smartly
How often do you walk around in the summer and see someone struggling with the heat and humidity but dressed entirely inappropriately for the conditions?
Don’t be one of them!
Here’s how to dress to beat the heat:
- Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials that allow air to circulate and sweat to evaporate.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that will reduce heat retention. Even go up a size if you need to!
- Choose light colors that reflect the sun’s rays.
- Check out clothes loaded with tech. Some brands have developed garments with built-in fans and other cooling elements, perfect for wearing during the height of summer.
Consider Other Cooling Technology
Speaking of tech, have you seen some of the other innovative things you can buy these days to help you keep cool in hot weather?
Wearable Fans
Wearable, portable fans can be worn around the neck or clipped to clothing. This is way more convenient than having to hold one and keep your hand still and at a consistent distance from your face for as long as you can manage.
These products are primarily promoted for use during outdoor activities, but they can be an excellent investment regardless of what you'll be doing when the sun comes out.
Cooling Towels
Cooling towels are specially designed so that you can soak them in water, wring them out, and then place them around your neck or head to instantly feel relief from the heat.
Personal Air Conditioners
Small, portable air conditioning units are something you never knew you needed but won't ever want to be without! Available in various sizes, personal air conditioners can often have a dual-use element of being handheld, like a fan, but with the option to stand it on your desk at work, anywhere around the house, or even in the car if your vehicle's built-in air conditioning doesn't quite get the job done.
Cooling Mattresses and Pillows
It’s not just the daytime when you need to keep cool!
Consider shopping for a new set of pillows that use cooling technology or are specially designed to prevent overheating at night. Buying a new mattress solely for the summer might be a little extravagant, so we won't tell you to do that - but keep the same principles in mind when the time comes to buy a new one!
Cooling mattress toppers and even tech that regulates your temperature during the night are now widely available, so give those a look, too.
When it comes to pillowcases and bedding, silk performs well in warm weather, helps keep you comfortable and cool, and won't always be as expensive as you think!
Dehumidifiers
If you’re the type of person who can deal with dry heat but find it unbearable when it’s both hot and humid, a dehumidifier in your home will help to make it feel more liveable and inviting during the day.
Depending on the type of dehumidifier you buy, it may also help to keep your home cooler and work effectively as an air conditioner, too!
Essential Buys to Cool Your Body
If you don’t have the budget to invest in tech to control the heat and humidity, then you can cool your body relatively easily.
- Cold packs are more associated with first aid but can also be a great buy to help you deal with the summer heat. Apply them to your pulse points to enjoy their fast cooling effect!
- Cooling cloths can help keep you clean and feeling cooled off and fresh. They can be used discreetly and as often as you need them, and they are a very budget-friendly buy!
- After Sun has a vital role to play in skin health after time spent in the sun, but it’s also great for helping you to cool down at the end of the day and feels extra amazing if you apply it after taking a shower.
And speaking of showers, if you can take a cold one during your lunch break or can stand under one by the pool or at the beach, take the chance to do it!
Keep Cool & Beat The Heat
Staying cool during August's heat and humidity can be straightforward if you're proactive and have a plan in place.
By staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, considering cooling technology, and having a handful of essentials on hand, you can beat the heat and enjoy an incredible, memorable summer whether you’re on vacation, spending time outdoors, relaxing at home, or clock-watching in the office until it’s time to join the fun yourself!
