7 Ways To Stay Cool During The Summer

Summer is great. Longer evenings, outdoor workouts and the occasional post-work wine, it’s enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. But, while hot weather might be great, it can also come with some very real (and scary) health risks. Heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps and sun poisoning are not things to be taken lightly.

Now we’re not trying to spoil your fun, but it’s important to be extra careful when the sun comes out so we can keep having a great time. If you’re not ready to hide away from our yellow friend, here are some tips on how to stay cool and protected throughout the warmer months.

1. Spicy foods

Bear with us. It might sound crazy, but eating spicy food can help cool you down. When we munch down on a hot curry or fiery salsa, our internal temperature and blood circulation increases, which means we start to sweat. When the sweat evaporates, you’ll feel all cooled down. Scientists have dubbed is ‘gustatory facial sweating’, so if science says it’s true, it’s true.

2. Refrigerate your products

Pop your lotions and potions in the fridge before you go to bed and in the morning, you’ll be soaking in a cooling sensation. Just make sure you don’t accidentally grab the mayo!

3. Cool your pulse

According to the National Sleep Foundation, placing a damp washcloth in the freezer creates a really effective cooling compress. If you don’t have a freezer to hand, running cold water over your wrists for 30 seconds. You’ll cool the blood in your veins and the results are instant. We’ve tried this and can confirm, it definitely works.

4. Drink smart

A refreshing cocktail may sound like the perfect cure to a heat wave, but alcohol actually dehydrates us. It’s the same with caffeinated drinks, it acts as a diuretic and creates the need for more fluids. Water is the safest bet to stay hydrated but if you’re bored of glugging on the good stuff, swap in a sports drink that’s filled with electrolytes.

– RELATED: This Is How Much Water You Should Be Drinking –

5. Create a makeshift AC

If you have a fan, you’ll know that sometimes it just circulates the warm air – not great if you’re trying to chill. Place a bowl of ice or ice-cold bottled water in front of the fan for an instant cooling effect.

6. Stay indoors

We’re not suggesting you hide out in your house and never see the light of day, but when temperatures are soaring, it’s probably best to seek shelter. This will prevent any risks of sun exposure and sometimes a movie marathon is more appealing that sitting in the sweltering heat.

7. Wear sunblock

Okay, this might not actually keep you cool, but it’s essential. Sunblock won’t stop you from getting any kind of tan, but it will protect you from harmful UV rays that can cause a whole host of serious health problems if you’re exposed too much.

Get out there, have fun and stay safe!

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