9 Ways to Survive the Summer Heat

As the summer heat settles in for the year, many of us spend most of our time trying to survive the sweltering high temperatures. With Labor Day still weeks away, avoiding the heat entirely isn’t necessarily an option. Instead, we have put together a guide for anyone looking for ways to better survive the heat for the rest of the summer. Keep reading to find out more.

 Staying Cool and Hydrated

If you are determined to be out in the summer sun, then there are a few things you can do to ensure you are staying hydrated and not overheating while outdoors. Did you know that according to the CDC, high temperatures are more deadly than hurricanes, lightning, tornados, earthquakes and floods combined? Heat stroke is no joke, so if you plan to spend most of your summer outdoors, here are some things you can do to keep cool and stay hydrated.

• Eat Hydrating Foods: Fruit is the ultimate food to eat before, during, and after any outdoor physical activity. They not only have a high-water content, but they are also rich in electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential when hydrating so you really can’t go wrong with some fresh fruit. Also, the natural sugars will provide you a burst of energy to help you power through your activity.
• Carry a Misting Bottle Instead of a Fan: Misting yourself with some cool water will help to bring your body temperature down and prevent overheating. A portable fan on the other hand, will only blow hot air at you. This will make you feel more comfortable in the moment but will do nothing to bring your body temperature down. This false sense of comfort can actually increase the likelihood of overheating.
• Dress Appropriately: Make sure that you are avoiding heavy fabric while outside. It is important to wear clothes that protect you from the sun while still keeping you cool. Light and breathable materials are best and try to avoid anything in dark colors or white. White can reflect the heat from your skin back onto you and black will absorb heat, so go for anything in between. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.

Keep in mind that extreme thirst, less frequent urination, fatigue, confusion, and dizziness are all signs that you could be overheating, so if you start to experience any of these symptoms, head indoors immediately.

Activities to Help you Cool Down

When you are ready to spend some time cooling off, some fun in the water is the best way to do it! Here are some of our favorite activities to help you cool down.

• Pool Day: You don’t have to have a pool in your backyard to enjoy a day by the pool. Do some research to see if you have any local pools that are open to the public. Some cities also have resorts that allow you to purchase a day pass to their pool areas. If you are heading to a public pool, make sure you bring everything you need with you like towels, a cooler and pool floats.
• Water Balloons: If you do not have access to a pool, or are looking for a fun alternative, try water balloons! This is even better if you have a large backyard to battle in.
• Beach Trip: No summer is complete without a trip to the beach! If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance from a beach, make sure you are taking full advantage.

 Indoor Activities

There are some days in the summer where the heat is just right for a pool party or a day at the beach. But there are also those days where the heat is just unbearable. On the days when you feel like walking out the door is akin to stepping into an oven, try some of these indoor activities instead.

• Movies: After enjoying months of gorgeous spring weather outdoors, there are probably some movies that you neglected to see. Use those extra hot days in the summer to have a movie day. Stay out of the heat entirely and host an at home movie marathon for your friends, or head to the theater to see the latest release.
• Laser Tag: Laser tag is a fantastic indoor activity that screams summer. Kids and adults will both enjoy this one as this physical activity is fun, engaging and entirely indoors!
• Gym Membership: If you are someone who enjoys getting their exercise outdoors, having a gym membership on hand can be helpful during the summer months. Instead of skipping your workouts due to the heat, just move it indoors! Many gyms offer short-term memberships which are great if you plan to continue your workouts outdoors when the summer heat starts to fade.

Try out some of these tips and activities to finish out the summer strong. And don’t worry, those cool fall breezes will be here before you know it.