Even though the calendar might tell you that summer is coming to an end, Mother Nature hasn’t finished dishing out the last of her toasty days in 2021. So as we round the final corner of the summer of 2021, here are 4 simple ways you can keep yourself protected from the summer’s last rays of heat:
1. Work Out in the Mornings or Evenings
Are you an avid outdoor exerciser or a casual stroller? If so, try to burn your calories either at the beginning or end of the day. This is typically when the temperatures are lower, making it easier for you and your body to handle your workout. When possible, choose shaded areas to exercise so you can prevent heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun.
2. Carefully Choose Your Outfit
When it comes to summer fashion, there are two important factors for staying cool: fabric and color.
Go for breathable fabrics that’ll keep the air flowing freely. This helps evaporate your sweat quicker, keeping you cool as a cucumber. Fabric choices like cotton and linen top the list for best hot weather fabrics.
Also, choose fabrics that are lighter colored. Dark colors absorb more wavelengths of light and turn them into heat. Lighter colors, on the other hand, tend to reflect those wavelengths instead of absorbing them. This means there’s not as much heat being converted and you stay cooler. A bit sciency, but it works!
3. Drink Fluids – Even When You’re Not Thirsty
Dehydration can sneak up on you without you even knowing it. And as the saying goes, if you're thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated. So, when it’s hot outside, be sure to have plenty of water on hand. And don't just limit your water drinking to while you’re outdoors. Continue to sip on H2O even after you've retreated inside.
One way to tell if you're dehydrated is to keep an eye on the color of your urine. It should be pale, clear, light yellow. If it's darker, you could be dehydrated.
4. Listen to Your Body
Sometimes, braving the heat is unavoidable. When this happens, pay special attention to what your body is saying. If your body's telling you to stop, listen to it. If you keep pushing past those warning signs, you increase your risk of heat exhaustion – or worse, heatstroke. Symptoms of overheating include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
If you notice any of these symptoms, get to a cool area immediately and begin hydrating. These could also be signs of a heat stroke. If you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from heatstroke, call 911.
Protect Yourself From the Heat This Summer
Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean you have to live out the summer indoors. As long as you take the proper precautions, you can enjoy this season to its fullest. So, grab your water, head on out, and soak in these bright summery days while you can!
(…even if you’re secretly dreaming of cooler days and cozy sweaters!)