How does that old saying go? ‘When it rains, it pours.’ Well, for now, it might be time to update it, because ‘when it’s sunny, it’s a heatwave‘ these days in the UK. And that heat doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Most UK homes were designed to trap heat for once mild seasons, but these increasingly hot summers have left us all panting like dogs in hot cars.
We’re not about to tell you that you have to jump in a pool or head to a beer garden every time it’s sunny – although we won’t judge you if you do. After all, it’s a Tuesday, and I have to work. (But wasn’t that Bank Holiday just bliss?) That’s why we’ve set out a list of serious suggestions to beat the heat. Here are some tips to make this warm weather a little more tolerable.
Stay indoors
Stay out of direct sunshine (especially between 11am and 3pm) if you want to beat the heat. And if you don’t want to be stuck at home, many businesses have air conditioning and are perfect for a hot day. You could find respite anywhere from libraries to cafes.
You might find it surprising, but there’s a reason why many choose to go to the cinema during a heatwave. These cool, dark caves are a haven for the sunshine-intolerant. But if you can’t leave the house, then read on for more tips.
Sort out your windows
If you’re working from home during these high temperatures, keeping a cool house is vital to stop turning delulu during the 9-to-5. But these rules can apply to offices too, or any place of work. It might seem counterintuitive, but you’re going to want to close the windows and close the curtains/blinds. An open window can let in hotter air during the middle of the day, while sunshine on glass can heat a house quickly. In the evening and the cooler hours of the day, you can open them again to create a cool breeze circulating air around the house.
Turn off unnecessary electronics
This can be hard for office drones (like me) who need a laptop at the very least, not to mention a million other technology bits and pieces plugged in, to work. (Especially since I’ve just told you to sit in a dark room with the windows closed and blinds drawn – and you now need a lamp to see). But it’s helpful to try to turn off anything that might be generating heat if it’s not being used.
Dress for the heat
Wear loose-fitting clothes so that your skin can breathe easily. Also bear in mind that white and light colours will reflect the sun compared to dark, heat-absorbing colours. Apply sunscreen to any parts of your body that aren’t covered. Wearing wet clothes can also help, but we’ll get to that…
Eat lightly
No cooking a huge meal for hours over a hot stove is always going to help stay cool. But foods with high water content, such as strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce, will help keep you hydrated. Digesting food can also increase your body temperature, so stick to smaller meals while it’s hot.
Drink water
It sounds obvious, but it’s always good to remind yourself. Liquids need to be constantly replaced when you’re sweating all day. Avoid coffee and tea, or any drink with caffeine. Feel free to treat yourself to a sports drink, though, which can replenish lost salts, sugars and fluids more easily (don’t ask me about the science, it’s just true).
Avoid alcohol
I know, I’m a bore, but really, try to avoid it if you can. It’s hot outside, and you’re dreaming of sunny outdoor terraces and beer gardens, but alcohol causes dehydration and heat stroke sucks. Trust me, I know from experience…
I imagine many of you will choose to ignore this rule, but try to take it steady at least. Plus, if you’re already struggling to sleep in the heat, alcohol is only going to make this worse. Stick with water.
Use fans (sometimes)
As a country that doesn’t have a lot of access to air conditioning, electric fans can feel like the next best thing. They can quickly cool you down through ventilation. But if temperatures rise above 35 degrees (not a common occurrence in the UK, but it can happen) you’ll find it’s just spreading warm air around the house. Not only that, but the power needed to generate it is probably making the place hotter….
Get wet
If all else fails, have a cold shower or a water fight; perhaps even wear wet clothing or go swimming. Skin is the largest organ of the human body, so the quicker you can cool it down, the better you’ll feel. A pro-tip is to plunge wrists and ankles into cold water (as this is where blood vessels are closest to the skin) for the best results.
Call the emergency services
Here comes the serious serious bit: Staying cool and hydrated is important for avoiding heat exhaustion. Look out for signs of tiredness, dizziness, headaches, feeling sick/being sick, excessive sweating, pale/ashen skin, muscle cramps, fast breathing, high temperature, high thirst and weakness. Someone experiencing these symptoms will need to be cooled down quickly and given fluids. You can call 111 for advice.
If left untreated, things can get even more serious, aka heat stroke. Keep an eye out for symptoms of a very high temperature, hot skin that’s not sweating, fast heartbeat, fast breathing/shortness of breath, confusion, a seizure or loss of consciousness. Wrap them in something wet and call 999. Learn more about heat exhaustion/stroke here.
