Summer is here and we are thrilled! One of the main obstacles between you and enjoying your summer is heat and dehydration. No matter how much you love the sun and warm weather, your body may not respond well to it. This article should help with how to avoid dehydration and over heating yourself.
1. Play in the water! – Regardless of how you feel your body looks in a swim suit, you need to stay cool in the heat. It is a smart decision to get wet and cooled off on very hot days. Let your kids spray you with the hose or get into their pool with them. If you are at the beach, splash around in the water. If only to get your legs cooled off.
2. Buy a shade canopy or awning – If the price of one of these is far out of your budget, consider going to yard sales, checking a local Goodwill store, or a Salvation army store. Some of them can be purchased for a low price, depending on how much shade you need. Check your local department stores in the outdoors section. These can be a very quick way to get shade wherever you go, and they come in carrying cases for easy travel.
3. Spray bottles and misters – Before going out somewhere that is going to be hot and miserable, fill a spray bottle with a mist setting with water. Bonus points if you keep one of these filled and in the refrigerator. Do not place in the freezer, because it will take hours for that thing to thaw and be usable! Have each member of your family keep one nearby!
4. Outdoor fans – Let’s say the wind is not blowing much and you wish it would. If you can run an extension cord to your outdoor location, you can use a fan to place nearby and cool you off. Maybe bring a collapsible table with you to place it on. Bonus points if you use the fan with the spray bottle!
5. Take breaks – If you have air conditioning available in your car or nearby in your home, you should take breaks inside. If you are camping or far away from a home or vehicle, consider the previous four suggestions. This is especially good for athletes to do, because they will overheat during intense activity in the summer.
The key to a happy summer is having the correct tools and procedures on your side. Make it a habit to have what you need, and things will run more smoothly.