Tips on How to Beat the Heat

What are your plans this summer? Whether you're kicking it poolside at your vacation home, or simply hanging out around the house, the summer weather is sure to be a scorcher. Here are a few tips to keep you staying cool all summer long.

Wear Light Clothing

Your wardrobe is the first thing you should consider when confronting a heat wave. Choosing your fabric and color wisely is one of the easiest ways to keep cool all day. Stay away from black and dark colors. These hues will absorb light, so it's best to opt for whites or pastels! Try to wear clothing that is airy and loose fitting; clingy clothing tends to make you sweat more. Your go-to fabrics should be the natural fabrics like cotton because they tend to "breathe" better than man-made fabrics, such as polyester.

Use Water to Your Advantage

During intense heat, it is easy to become dehydrated, even if you don't know it. As you sweat, you are losing important fluids so replacing them is vital. Although it is tempting to fill up your glass with ice cubes, you are actually doing yourself a disservice. When water is very cold, it takes your body more energy to neutralize the temperature, actually making you hotter! Just remember, water is always the best choice. Stay away from sodas and juices because they are loaded with sugars, which your body will have to use energy break down.

If you do not have access to a pool, you can still cool yourself off using water. Grab a wash cloth and soak it in cold water. Use this to cool off your face or neck. Studies show wetting pulse points on the body also helps to cool you down for an extended period of time.

Eat the Right Foods

Surprisingly, food can have an impact on your core body temperature.  Smaller meals or constant snacking is the best way to eat during hot days because it reduces metabolic heat in your body. Eating foods that are not heat-prepared is also the way to go. Choosing a fresh salad or fruit over pasta and bread will be more refreshing, and will actually help keep your body temperature down. Check out more food tips to help you stay cool from Food Republic.

Don't forget everyone's favorite summertime treat: the Popsicle! Stock up on your favorite popsicle flavors or make your own. Check out how to make homemade delicious popsicles.

Stay Out of Direct Sunlight

The hardest thing to do during the summer is to stay indoors. School is out for the summer and there is no better place to be than at the beach! However, if you are braving the sun, be smart about it. Try to locate a shadier spot that doesn't have direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen and protective articles, such as a hat or visor.

Alter Your Environment

If braving the heat outside is out of the question and your home is still too hot, there are a few things you can try to cool yourself down indoors. If your home is two stories, stay on the bottom level; heat rises so your top floor will naturally be warmer. Utilize ceiling fans and floor fans; these can help cool down the specific room you are occupying and you will notice the difference! Be mindful of your windows too; draw your blinds as this will keep the rooms darker and, in turn, cooler.