We have had a pretty cool summer here in Indiana so far, but the heat has returned. At the request of one of my newsletter subscribers, here are some tips for beating the heat:
1. The obvious stuff:
- Wear a hat and sunscreen
- Stay out of the direct sunlight
- Drink a lot of water
- Take breaks in the air conditioning
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably cotton
2. Less obvious stuff:
- Drink hibiscus tea. Hibiscus is a very cooling herb and it tastes great. Mint, lemon balm, and lemon grass are other good choices can be added or used as an alternative. See this past blog to remind you how to make herbal sun tea.
- Add a vitamin C supplement every day. Vitamin C is thought to help your body adapt more naturally to the stress of the heat.
- Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which both contribute to dehydration.
- Include more cooling foods in your diet, such as salad greens, cucumbers, broccoli, melons.
- Keep heavy foods, such as gravies and fried foods, to a minimum.
- Add a little lemon or lime to your water to help quench your thirst. You can keep a pitcher of water with lemon/lime in your fridge, so it is ready to go when you need it.
- Continue doing your exercising that makes you sweat to release the heat, just plan to do it early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid over-heating.
- Don’t run your air conditioning too cool. This mimics cold weather and can actually cause a summer cold. You should be able to wear the same clothing outside and inside during the summer without needing an extra layer in the house.
- If you do become over-heated, put your feet up and drink electrolyte replenishing beverages.
While many of you are probably unhappy that it is hot out, I am actually quite pleased. I love summer and have been a bit disappointed by the cooler temps. For those of you who are miserable, put your feet up, drink a cup of hibiscus tea, and think of cool places.
How are you planning to stay cool? Please add your comment below and share with any friends who may need the reminders.