Beat the Heat

Summer is coming to an end, with Labor Day just around the corner. The end of August also means some of our hottest weather all year, but that doesn’t mean we must stay inside all day. Beat the heat and continue enjoying the beautiful weather with these easy tips. 

Drinking water is easy, but are you drinking enough water to stay ahead of the heat? On average, we drink about 1.5 liters a day, but temperatures 80 degrees and above require us to drink at least two liters a day. This can sound like a lot, but try drinking water in small amounts throughout the day. This ensures your body can retain all the water and breaks up the work. Even when you aren’t thirsty, water is key to cooling off your body and staying happy and hydrated. 

The hottest part of our day is not actually at noon. In fact, it’s usually 3-5 hours after noon that we reach the hottest part of our day. If you are considering going outside, try planning activities for the morning to take advantage of the colder temperatures. Our sunsets on the west coast are breathtaking, why not change things up and wake up early for the sunrise? Summers give us more daylight. Try an early sunrise and plan something for the evening while we still have light and the perfect temperature for outdoor activities. 

Sunscreen is usually for the beach and longer hikes, but it can also be your best friend on hot days. While drinking water and utilizing colder parts of the day can cool you off, sunscreen ensures your body starts and stays cool. Sunscreen can feel and smell uncomfortable for your daily routine, but staying at a comfortable temperature is vital. Consider using a gel-based sunscreen that has a more pleasant feel on your skin and smells a little better. 

Check in on your friends and family, sometimes, we don’t feel the effects of dehydration or heat exhaustion until it’s too late. Don’t let the weather take away those opportunities. With these tips, you can beat the heat and keep enjoying your summer.