Just because the temperatures are rising doesn’t mean you need to avoid your favorite outdoor activities. Knowing how to keep cool in the summer heat means you’ll be able to keep doing all those things you love, while still staying safe and cool.
Dress cool. Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing. The loose fit helps increase airflow, allowing heat to escape your body more easily. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.
Get wet! Soak a shirt, hat, or bandana in water and put it back on. Wearing a wet hat or bandana can increase the cooling effects of any breeze, and this is a great way to quickly cool down when you’re overheated. Running water over pulse points like wrists, ankles, and the neck can relieve the heat. Loosely tie a wet bandana around wrists for added relief.
Watch your food and drink intake. Don’t consume alcohol or caffeinated beverages. These will actually increase dehydration. Avoid eating a large meal before or during your outdoor activities. Digestion requires water, so eating small meals or light snacks through the day will help you digest easier and stay properly hydrated.
Freeze your fruit. Before heading out on the trial or to the campground, plop fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries into some ice trays, add enough water to fill the tray, and freeze. Add them to your water bottle for a fruity infusion. You can snack on the fruit as the ice melts for a simple summer treat.
Make a cooling mist from tea bags. Put 1 to 2 green tea bags into 1 to 2 cups of cold water, and let it steep for two hours. Pour the tea into a spray bottle and add ice. Mist it on your face as needed to keep cool. Tea contains antioxidants, so it’s good for your skin as well as refreshing.
Featured Image from MI PHAM/Unsplash
