5 Easy Ways to Keep Cool During the Summer Heat
As the weather really starts to heat up, you want to be aware of how to keep cool in the summer heat. A lot of people enjoy getting out in the sun, myself included! But you must pay attention to the weather and how it affects your own body, hydration levels, and warning signs of heat related illnesses. Read on to find out more information on how to keep cool during the summer heat, heat related illnesses, and their warning signs!
How To Keep Cool In The Summer Heat
Now you may ask yourself… just HOW do you stay cool in the summer heat? Read below for quick tips to prevent any heat related issues down the road! Share with your friends and family too!
Choose The Right Clothing
It is important to choose lighterweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes when exercising in the sun. Darker colors are known to absorb more of the sun’s rays and ultimately not keeping you as cool as possible in the heat. Continuing, tighter fitting clothes can cause you to feel warmer and over heat since there is no room for your body to breath or create airflow.
Put On Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a great way to help repel the sun’s rays and save your skin from getting burnt. When you get sunburnt, it causes the body to also feel overheated and uncomfortable and impact your body’s ability to cool down.
Know When To Be Outside
If possible, avoid working out at the hottest time of day. Working at in the early afternoon can be a sure way to being overheated and becoming unsafe. It is best to workout in the early morning or late afternoon to find the coolest temperatures possible.
Drink More Fluids
Do not wait until you are thirsty to have a drink. It is important that in order to keep cool during the heat of summer, to continually be taking in fluids throughout the day. This will help you stay hydrated when you are out in the sun, but also keep you hydrated as your body moves throughout the day.
Try A Sports Drink
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. That is why it can be important to replenish these lost minerals with a sports drink, that way it can help the body cool down and maintain its normal body temperature.
Heat Related Illness Symptoms:
Before getting to the 5 easy ways to keep cool during the summer heat, it is also important to be aware of heat related illnesses and their symptoms. Your natural cooling systems should chill your body, but when exposed to high temperatures for an extended period and not hydrated, heat illness can start and worsen if left untreated. Heat related illnesses can start mild with heat cramps and worsen to lightheadedness or fainting. They can also lead to heat exhaustion where your body temperature rises feeling nauseous and clammy skin. These signs can often lead to a stroke. The most life-threatening condition is heat stroke when your body temperature is greater than 104 F.
Paying Attention to Warning Signs:
Some signs and symptoms of heat-related illness to watch for include increased heart rate, visual problems and low blood pressure. It may also include irritability, confusion, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, and muscle cramps. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and ignore them, your condition can worsen, resulting in a medical emergency.
Stay Up To Date With The Weather
If you are like me and enjoy a really hot day, be sure to check the weather first. Know the signs of heat related illnesses and don’t wait too long to act on them. Stay hydrated out there… before and after exercise!
Can’t Bare The Heat?
That’s okay! Come visit us at Ascend and enjoy our air conditioned space while getting your workout in. We offer a wide range of classes from yoga to barre classes to a full body reset! These class can help you feel energized and ready to take on your day! Our class schedule can be found HERE. We hope to see you in a class soon!
