5 Tips to Beat the Heat this Summer

Hello April, my birthday month. It is officially the start of dry season in the Philippines and the weather is becoming extremely unbearable as summer reaches its peak. I enjoy summer a lot and look forward to it every year. It's the season when lots of flowers bloom and vegetables grow well (love 'em veggies!). They say summer is the best and worst of times. It is the best simply because of the warm weather, picnics and beach trips with family and friends. Staring at blue skies and waiting for everything to dry in no time is also a wonderful feeling. The worst things about summer are heat exhaustion, sunburns, bugs and drought.   

Summer fatigue is not uncommon. According to an article "Why Does Being in the Heat Makes Us Feel Tired?" from scientificamerican.com, our body, especially in the sun, has to work hard to maintain a consistent, normal, internal temperature. A hot summer day makes our body work overtime. 

So how do we combat heat exhaustion? Let me share 5 tips on how to beat summer heat.

1. Stay hydrated

Over half of the human body is made of water. When our cells are not properly hydrated, it can lead to exhaustion, headaches and more serious symptoms. Make sure to have a bottle of water handy to replenish fluid loss. Electrolyte-infused waters and healthy drinks that are rich in electrolytes such as coconut water, fruit juices and sports drink are also good alternatives. 

2.  Wear comfortable clothes

Wearing loose clothes, light colored, and fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk helps combat body heat. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is also a good way to keep cool under direct exposure to sunlight.

3. Have an umbrella handy

Rain or shine I make it a habit to bring an umbrella simply because it is helps limit sun exposure during summer or from getting soaked on rainy days. Umbrella protects us from heat coming from the sun in the form of radiation that can cause damage to eyes, skin and immune system.

4. Take a lukewarm shower

I always thought that taking a cold show during summer is a good thing, but scientists suggest that this makes you feel even hotter. That's because when you take a cool shower your body has to work harder to warm up again. Studies suggest that warm water cools your bloodstream. So, opting for a lukewarm shower is a better option.

5. Eat lighter and healthier

Eating healthier food such as salads and high-water-content fruits and vegetables, won’t strain and overheat our digestive system. Our body requires the nutrients to fight the heat and keep us healthy.

There you have it folks. Hope these 5 tips will help make summer more meaningful and enjoyable.