Keeping a Cool Head in Summer Temperatures

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising to over 30 degrees and generally we think that’s nice. But we shouldn’t forget that this exposes our bodies to tremendous physical strain. Headaches, circulatory problems and heavy sweating are not uncommon. Sweating is an automatism that contributes to cooling down the body. So far so good. But our blood vessels also widen, which weakens the circulation which in turn can lead to the brain not being supplied with enough oxygen and a danger of collapsing in the heat.

But we have a few tips on how to protect your health and refresh yourself when it gets really hot.

Drink a lot of liquid

Drinking a lot is always important, but in the summer, care should be taken that at least three litres of liquid are consumed every day – water, juice spritzers and tea are the best drinks. However, cold drinks or drinks with ice cubes should be avoided, as the body tries to heat the cold liquid to body temperature which usually results in even more severe sweating and stomach discomfort.

The right diet

Light food, such as water-rich fruit, vegetables, fish or lean meat, is particularly suitable for the warm days of the year, as they do not unnecessarily burden the digestive system. You do not feel full up and still have the motivation to go outdoors and do something nice.

Small refreshments with ice cubes, sprays etc.

There are some ways to cool down quickly. Brushing ice cubes over your forehead or melting the cube in the crook of your arm has a wonderfully refreshing effect.

Even refreshing sprays provide a great cooling effect when the spray is sprayed into the face or forearms. Cooling pads can also be found in almost every household and cannot only be used against swelling and pain. If the cooling pads have been in the freezer, they should not be placed directly on the skin. To avoid possible cold burns, the cooling pad can simply be wrapped in a cloth and then placed on the forehead, neck, arms and feet.

Cold showers

If you do not have time to go to the pool or to the nearest lake, you can easily cool off at home. When you use contrast showers you should start with warm water. After a few minutes, change to cold water for one minute. Repeat this process a few times and you will feel like you have been born again. In addition, contrast showers have a positive effect on the body: they invigorate and detoxify, improve the blood circulation and expel negative energies.

Adjust clothing

The choice of garments can also affect body temperature. On hot days you should resort to airy clothes. Light, air permeable garments made of cotton or other natural fibres are the perfect companion in hot temperatures.

Protect your head and eyes

If you are directly in the sun, the effect of the sun’s rays is especially strong. Hats, caps or even towels help to protect against sun-stroke, heat stroke or even sunburn. In addition, the brightness in the summer days is an additional burden to the eyes. People automatically try to protect themselves against eyestrain by pinching their eyes. But the opposite is the case: pinching your eyes can cause permanent headaches. Sunglasses are the perfect protection against the UV rays.

Three DIY cooling tips:

– A hot water bottle with a difference: fill a hot water bottle with water and put it in the fridge for two hours. Between the feet, the cold hot water bottle ensures a pleasant cooling.

– Tea-tree oil shampoo: adding 4 to 5 drops of tea-tree oil to your shampoo keeps your scalp cool throughout the day.

– A quick refreshment with your fingertips? Just hold your fingertips briefly under cold running water and then massage your temples.

Attention!

Always take what your body tells you seriously! If you feel sick, lightheaded or dizzy, a heat collapse could be imminent. Avoid the sun immediately, drink plenty of water and eat something salty. If the symptoms do not subside, then definitely consult a doctor.