6 ways for keeping cool this summer

 

Summer. We complain when it doesn’t arrive befitting our expectations, or we rue the day when it finally does. And when it does show, one thing is for certain and that is that every office block and household up and down the UK will be buzzing with the chatter of conversations about how unbearable the heat is. It is fair to say that us Brits have a rather love-hate relationship with summer weather, and don’t do much better when we’re abroad either. That is why I have compiled the following list of 6 ways for keeping cool this summer…

1. Loosen up

Where clothes are concerned, less is definitely more when it comes to summer attire, however you have to get the balance just right.

While being bare skinned except for shorts or bikini may seem an obvious recourse, be warned, as bare skin if not properly covered and protected with appropriate strength of UV blocking sun cream will burn! Last thing you want is being left red in the face as you struggle to keep cool because of your blistering sunburn.

Instead you should opt for a loose fitting garment, ideally made of cotton. Not only are light-coloured cottons lightweight they are breathable and allow for ventilation and airflow, not to mention useful for soaking up hot body sweat which in turn allows you to cool quicker.

Couple dressed in light, loose fitting cotton clothes

2. Cool off

'Cooling off' takes on an entirely different meaning as temperatures begin to soar. At an evening, before heading back outside or retiring after a long day be sure to rinse yourself under a shower of tepid water. This will bring down your core body temperature and rids you of sweat, leaving you to feel cool, clean and totally revitalised.

3. Drink up

An obvious but often forgotten trick to keeping cool is drinking lots of water throughout the day and keeping some to hand by your bed at an evening. If you want to stay cool this summer you should also avoid drinking too much hot, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks (a tall order for someone on their holidays I know) as these can raise the body’s temperature.

A refreshing glass of chilled water infused with lemon juice and mint

4. Add a little spice to your life

Ever wondered why people from hot and tropical climes can eat plate after plate of spicy food and why chili peppers can be found deviously residing among the most innocent looking of dishes? This no mere coincidence and there is a method to the madness – spicy cuisine makes you respire and in turn this sweat rests upon your skin and cool’s you down faster, you can’t argue with the science of it! Your natural instinct might be to recline with an ice cold soft drink or a cone of ice cream in hand, but after that initial cooling you arrive back at the start again – hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. This is because the unexpected drop in core body temperature panics your regulatory system into trying to correct the sudden decrease by quickly raising your temperature. So unless you fancy eats ice cream after ice cream (a tempting prospect if not for the gluttonous amount of calories that would include!) why don’t you sample the local spicy cuisine?

A selection of culinary spices in Morocco

5. Take a siesta!

My next tip you can see in action in any Mediterranean town, city or resort around midday. At this time you will begin to notice the local people begin to lazily retreat to the cool shade of their homes, cafes or any place out of the reach of the strong midday sun and merciless heat for a siesta. Siestas, as im sure you’re aware, are afternoon rests or even naps which are taken during the hottest hours of the day in countries with hot or tropical climates. So why not do as the local’s do and retire from the heat of the day at a quaint bistro or café for an extended lunch break? Or better yet, seek respite in the air conditioned galleries of an art or history museum? – And in doing so you can tick a few sights from your list. But don’t think that by having an extended lunch that you will have to cut down on the amount of exploring or sightseeing. Mediterranean’s are notorious early-risers, again not my coincidence, as they choose to start their day early and be out and about before the midday heat becomes intolerable.

Cafe culture at its finest

6. Head to the beach

The 6th and final way to keep cool this summer also happens to be my personal favourite – head down to the beach! What better way to keep cool this summer than by resting in the blissful shade of a parasol on a secluded golden sand beach, facing out across the ocean? Whether you choose to take a refreshing dup in the sea or let the sea breeze blow across you as you sit on your lounger under a parasol, you’ll soon find your temperature dropping to more comfortable levels. The same can be achieved relaxing in your very own poolside cabana bed at an exclusive luxury hotel, and with a pool bar close to meaning that drinks and light refreshments are always close to hand. If this too sounds like your favourite solution for keeping cool, but regretfully you have no such holiday lined up, why not check out the selection of beach holidays available with Classic Collection Holidays?  

Is this your favourite means of keeping cool?

Did you try our 6 ways of keeping cool this summer? Or maybe you have stumbled upon another way which you found to be very effective? We’ll like to hear it in the comment section below!