Every year, the weather seems to be getting hotter and hotter. It’s bad enough during the daytime, but if you don’t have an aircon, it can be almost impossible to get a good night’s rest! Fortunately, there are a few ways for you to beat the heat without getting hit by high electricity bills.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind the next time you’re trying to stay cool:
1) What to Drink
DO: Drink Lots of Water
This may sound obvious, but it’s important to stay hydrated. The average person needs at least eight glasses of water every day, and that number can get higher if you’re living in a hot country like Malaysia.
If you’re the kind of person who gets bored with just plain water, don’t worry! You can try switching to substitutes like chrysanthemum tea, coconut water or sugar cane juice.
DON’T: Drink Anything With Lots of Caffeine
Coffee, tea and most fizzy drinks might taste good, but they can actually make it harder to stay cool.
This is because drinking caffeine will increase your body’s metabolic heat. It’s still safe to drink in moderation, but when the weather is hot, it’s probably better to stick with water instead.
Alcohol is another big no-no. Drinking alcohol during hot weather can be risky because it can affect the hypothalamus gland — the organ that helps to control your body’s temperature. Drinking too much alcohol can actually cause you to become dehydrated, which is dangerous during a hot day.
2) What to Eat
DO: Eat Something Spicy
If you’re a fan of spicy meals, rejoice! It may seem a bit weird at first glance, but eating spicy foods are actually a good way to beat the heat. This is because eating something that’s really pedas causes your body to sweat more, which ultimately helps to cool you down.
Aside from that, you can try switching to smaller, more frequent meals or snacks throughout the day. Cooling foods such as cold fruit or yogurt are a great way to keep your tummy full while still staying cool.
DON’T: Eat Big Meals
During a hot day, the last thing you want is to spend hours cooking over a hot stove.
Big, heavy meals — especially ones containing lots of protein — will make it a lot harder to stay cool. Because your metabolic system is forced to work overtime, you’ll not only feel hotter, but also more tired and sluggish.
3) How to Bathe
DO: Splash Your Face With Cold Water
One quick way to cool down is to chill your pulse points — face, wrists, neck, elbows, ankles, etc. These places contain a lot of blood flow, so splashing cold water on them can help to cool down your blood.
If the heat is making it harder to fall asleep, one good way to cool down your whole body is to simply dip your feet into a bucket of cold water for a few minutes. It sounds crazy, but it really does work!
DON’T: Take Cold Showers
Despite what you might think, cold showers are not actually a good way to stay cool during a hot day. While it can feel good, the problem is that once the shower ends, your body will start to generate more heat to make up for the heat loss.
For best effect, before going to bed, you should bathe in water that is either lukewarm or just below body temperature. This will rinse off any sweat and grime and let you fall asleep feeling cool and squeaky clean.
4) What to Wear
DO: Wear Something Light and Breathable
When the sun starts beating down, it’s important to choose an outfit that will help you to stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. Look for clothes made out of breathable materials such as cotton or linen. These fabrics will make it easier for you to regulate your temperature even if you have to go out under the hot sun.
The style of your outfit also matters. As a rule of thumb, looser is cooler. Loose clothes will create a layer of air between your skin and clothing, while skin-tight outfits will feel more constraining and uncomfortable.
DON’T: Wear Dark, Tight Clothing
Dark clothing may look cool, but they’re a bad idea if you’re trying to stay cool.
Black fabrics will trap light, making you feel hotter during a hot day. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid dressing up in dark tones as they tend to absorb more sunlight.
Aside from that, avoid non-breathable materials such as polyester, nylon and silk. They might look good, but nobody will want to get close if you’re stinking of sweat and body odour!
BONUS: Upgrade Your Skincare Routine
Here’s a tip for anyone regularly using a lot of beauty products: keep them in the fridge!
Generally speaking, chilling beauty products such as eye creams, gel moisturisers and facial masks won’t make them work any better. They do, however, make your regular skincare routine feel a lot better.
Trust me: there’s nothing quite as indulgent as putting on a chilled facial mask after a long, hot day.
Still Struggling to Stay Cool?
If these tips aren’t enough, there’s still one more great way to beat the heat: go for a swim!
If you’re lucky enough to live in a place with a swimming pool, you’ll know firsthand how great it feels to jump in and simply laze about during a hot, humid afternoon.
But why stop there? Malaysia is home to some of the best diving spots in the entire world. If you’re itching for a vacation by the sea (I know I am!), why not take the chance to visit the beautiful underwater world waiting right here in our backyard?
If you’re interested in learning more about diving, be sure to check out:
Going with the Flow: Where Anyone Can Learn to Dive
