When the sun is shining, it instantly makes you want to get out of the house and enjoy the warm weather, particularly if you live in a place that can be wet and miserable a lot of the time. During the summer months, you might have more luck, and as soon as the temperatures rise, you’re out having BBQs, visiting beer gardens, going for hikes, or lazing by the pool. Although enjoying the hot weather is great, there are times when it can hurt your health, which is why it’s so important to know how to look after yourself in the heat. Below are a few basic tips you can use so you can still enjoy the sunshine while staying safe.
Hydrate
Staying hydrated is essential in hot weather because you’re sweating more, so you need to replenish your body fluids. Always carry a bottle of water with you when it’s hot weather and keep refilling it. It’s recommended that you drink eight glasses of water a day to maintain good health, so when it’s hot, this is the very least you should be drinking. Teas, coffee, and some juices can help to keep you hydrated as well, but water will work best.
SPF Protection
Even if it doesn’t feel that hot outside, it’s always smart to apply sunscreen, especially if it’s clear skies and the sun is out. Your skin is delicate, and it’s easy to burn, and leaving it exposed to UV rays will only heighten your risk of developing things like skin cancer. To avoid serious illness and painful sunburn, make sure you use at least factor 30 to offer some protection against the sun.
Wear Sunglasses
As well as keeping your fluids up and protecting your skin, you should think about how your eyes can get affected by the bright light as well. You will have noticed how you squint when the sunlight reflects off of water, cars, or windows as you walk by. Sometimes it can even bounce off the surface of the road, or your eyes might take a moment to adjust when you walk outdoors after being inside. To reduce the risk of your eyes getting damaged or strained, sunglasses are a must, as well as being a popular summertime accessory. You could even look at getting UV contact lenses to wear for additional protection.
Sunhats
Another great way to keep the sun out of your eyes is by wearing a sunhat. Again, these can be stylish accessories you can use to pull your outfit together, which makes them a practical and fun investment. If you’ve never considered yourself a hat person, try on a few different styles to see if a particular design suits you.
Cool Down
Finally, remember to take it easy when it’s hot outside and do things to help you cool down when the heat starts to get uncomfortable. If your home doesn’t have AC, purchasing a desk or floor fans could help with this. Cool showers and baths can also be incredibly refreshing, as well as wearing light clothing.
If you want to enjoy the heat this summer, make sure you’re keeping in mind the above tips and using them so you can have fun in the sun while still protecting your health.