It looks like we can all expect another sunny summer, and as the heat approaches, staying cool will be a top priority for many of us, wherever we are. Not only does it give us comfort and relief from the sun, but it’s also essential to maintaining our health and well-being. We’ll look at the benefits of keeping cool in the heat and share some practical tips to help you beat the summer sun and stay cool all season, from smart lifestyle choices to maximum hydration.

Why stay cool in summer?

There are plenty of benefits to staying cool in the summer sun, so before we go into how to stay cool, let’s look at why you should stay cool. From regulating your body temperature, preserving energy, and enhancing your mood during the day to improving sleep quality each night, the benefits of staying cool in the summer are numerous. 

And, of course, they’re essential to helping you safely enjoy the warm weather for as long as possible. It’s a season that can bring high temperatures, so by keeping yourself cool inside and out, you can project both your physical and mental health and well-being. Now let’s look at exactly how you can stay cool this summer.

Stay hydrated!

This one’s nice and easy, but it can be easy to forget too. One of the most crucial aspects of staying cool is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to replenish fluids lost through sweat – even if you’re not exercising or being particularly active. Aim for at least six glasses of water daily, and carry a water bottle to stay hydrated out and about. You can also eat high-water content foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Keep in the shade

When spending time outdoors, always try and spend some time in the shade whenever possible. Limiting direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours, typically around 11.00 am-2.00 pm, will help prevent overheating. So if you’re out, stay cool by sheltering under trees, umbrellas, or canopies to reduce your exposure to the heat.

Dress for the weather

Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing from breathable materials like cotton or linen can help you stay cool. Choose white or light-coloured clothing that reflects sunlight rather than absorbs heat, like darker colours will. And protect yourself from the sun's rays by wearing a hat and sunglasses when you venture outside to protect you from damaging UV rays. And, of course, use sunscreen!

Stay active sensibly

If you’re doing any exercise or training regime, make sure you do it during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or early evening, when temperatures are lower. If exercising outdoors, choose shaded areas if you can or opt for indoor activities in cooler or air-conditioned spaces. Remember your water and stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout.

Keep indoors cool too

Keeping your home as cool as possible will also help you stay more comfortable during the summer weather. It might seem counterintuitive, but closing the blinds or drawing the curtains to block out direct sunlight will keep the interior temperature down, especially if your main living areas are south facing. Fans or air conditioners will also help create a more comfortable environment. 

Stay hydrated with Thirsty Work this summer

After all those tips, it’s worth circling back to the first one as a reminder always to stay hydrated this summer. Even if you don’t think it’s that warm or you’re not being particularly active, you can still get dehydrated, so drinking regularly throughout the day will help you stay at the top of your game, whatever you’re doing.

Whether at home or work, drinking more using a bottled water cooler or mains-fed water cooler can keep you hydrated all day, every day, all summer and beyond. For more information on our fully-filtered water coolers, to get your free quote, or start your 10-day free trial, call us on 01392 877 172, email hello@thirstywork.com, or send us a message today to get started.