(BPT) – Everyone has had that moment when fun in the sun turns into a struggle to stay cool. And when that happens, all you want to do is get out of the heat as fast as possible.
Sometimes, however, that is easier said than done, and if you’ve ever found yourself in extreme heat for a prolonged period of time — or you see that such a stretch is coming in the forecast — here are five ways to beat the heat now before the heat beats you.
* Let your clothes do the work. When the thermostat is reaching high temperatures, what you put on your body matters. Start reading the labels on your clothes to see what fabrics your wardrobe consists of. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate and move freely, so make sure to wear your favorite cotton t-shirt on hot days. Linen is also a great alternative in the hot summer months because of its natural fiber and light weave, which allows for maximum breathability.
* Invest in the right air conditioner. It is on those sweltering days that your air conditioner becomes the most valuable tool in your home. Is your current system up to the challenge? If not, it’s time for a replacement. The LG DUAL Inverter Compressor Window Air Conditioner constantly adjusts its speed — rather than turning on and off — to maintain the desired air temperature all at a reduced energy usage. The system is so efficient it received the 2018 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award for its estimated 40 percent energy savings on its biggest model. That’s savings and cooler comfort perfect for any hot summer day.
* Protect your skin. On a hot day, the last thing you want is a lingering burn from the weekend spent at the beach. Invest in some SPF 50 to prevent sun damage to the skin and reduce wrinkles in the future. If it’s too late and the burn is there to stay, check out your options for a natural aloe. The soothing properties reduce rashes, burns and skin irritants, keeping your body cool so your mind can focus on the summer.
* Exercise smartly. If exercise is a big part of your daily routine, you’re hesitant to abandon it simply because the temperatures are too hot. However, you don’t want to risk your health either. The good news is you don’t have to; you simply need to adjust your routine. Swimming is a wonderful activity to enjoy on a hot day, and if you don’t have access to water, you can still maintain your traditional workout regimen with a few slight alterations. Instead of working out in the middle of the day, opt for a dusk or dawn workout and try to keep your workout intervals short so you have more time to recover in these less-than-favorable conditions.
* Cool yourself down effectively. When you’re feeling hot, the first thing you want to do is apply a cool towel to your forehead. It feels good, of course, but for maximum impact, applying this cooling agent to your wrist or neck is actually a far better alternative. These portions of your body are pulse points, and applying a cooling sensation here will be felt everywhere else more quickly and effectively. Finally, for a relaxing cool, soak your feet in a bucket of ice cubes and cold water. Your feet have pressure points inside them as well, and just 20 minutes in this relaxed state will have your entire body feeling cooler.
Beat the heat with a little preparation
The season’s hottest days don’t have to derail everything you have planned, you just need to prepare for them. Applying the tips above will help you stay cool no matter what your day’s agenda calls for so you can stick to your schedule for these sweltering summer days and beyond.
