Sunscreen, flip-flops and ice cold refreshing drinks. The sun is shining and the wind is blowing through your hair. It’s summer. Temperatures are rising and everyone goes out to enjoy the sunshine. But not everyone enjoys this weather, as it can become too hot. What can you do to cool down in hot weather?
Climate change
The summers are getting hotter, due climate change, which is primarily caused by humans. Burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture and industrial processes are part of the cause of climate change. There is a rise in global temperatures, which is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Some areas are becoming more dry and others are impacted by floods. Extreme weather like wildfires, floods and hurricanes are becoming more common now.
So if you want to stop this and make a change, you need to take steps. Examples of what you can do: reduce your energy consumption, reduce your consumption, reuse things and recycle, use sustainable transportation and adopt a plant-based diet. But we all know that change always cost time.
Cool down in hot weather
It’s also a fact that you can’t change climate change in one day. But you can take small steps and work together with others to make an impact in this world.
For your own health and the health of others, like elder people and pets, it is important that you know what you can do when it’s too hot. So what can you do to cool down in hot weather?
- Drink water. Stay hydrated. Drink more fluids and don’t wait until you get thirsty. If you have elder people around, make sure that they drink, as often they don’t feel thirsty. When you have kids, make sure that they drink too. For pets it can be a challenge, especially for cats. Use a water fountain for cats or put some toys in a bowl of water.
- Insulate your home. Keep your house cool by closing the curtains. It’s even better to cover the windows from the outside, but not everyone has that option.
- Cool down your skin. Take a cool shower, put a wet towel around your neck or put your feet in a bowl of cold water. If you have pets, use a special pet cooling mat where they can lie down.
- Practice mindfulness. Your mind is strong. If you constantly focus on the heat, it will not cool down. Use breathing exercises and meditation to stay calm and find a way to deal with the heat.
- Eat light meals. Make a healthy salad or a smoothie bowl. Think of food with a high water content, like apples, strawberries, cucumber and lettuce.
- Limit your outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day. Try to go out only if necessary, in the morning and evening hours. If you need to go out, rest in shady areas and use an umbrella to protect you from the sun.
- Protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen and sunglasses when you go out. Wear sunscreen. Wear long sleeve shirts in light colors.
- Cool down with air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, use a fan (which is also better to reduce energy). You can also choose to go to a public place where it’s cooler.
And one last warning. Never leave people or pets in a car. This can be very dangerous and can even cause death.
Jane Regina Sauer 