5 Tips To Beat Summer Heat

It’s that time of the year again- that time when we sweat through all our pores and wait desperately for winters or rains to arrive. The summertime in India can be brutal even for the most experienced of us. Besides making us feel tired and zapped, it can even be downright harmful by increasing the risk of heatstroke. In fact, many people have been known to die of heat waves. So how does one protect oneself in this heat? Read on to find out

* Don’t wear black

It is basic science that darker colors absorb more heat, something that all of us learned back in 9th grade. However, most of us fail to apply this practically in real life. When we move out wearing dark colored clothes in the sun, they absorb more heat which is in turn transferred to our bodies, making us feel hotter. To help feel a little cooler during these brutal summers, avoid wearing black. Stick instead to lighter colors like white and pastels that do not absorb that much heat and do not increase your body temperature. Save the black clothes for winters when your body needs as much heat as it can possibly get.
* Wear summer friendly fabrics

It is the thumb rule to surviving summers- wear light and breathable fabrics. These include cotton and linen clothes over synthetic fabrics. In order to feel cooler during summers, wear cotton clothes that absorb sweat and do not stick to your body. Fabrics like rayon, nylon, wool or satin etc tend to be heavy and make you feel hotter. Stock up on breezy clothes like skirts and kurtis instead of denims and knit fabrics. Even while dressing up, try to avoid satin and silk and instead choose smart dresses or skirts in cotton or some other light fabric.

* Scarves and hats

If you are moving out during the afternoon, wrap a scarf or a stole around your head. Make sure that the scarf is of a light material like cotton. This will prevent the heat from directly reaching your head and protect you from the ghastly loo as well. Most women cover themselves with a dupatta before leaving their homes in the summers for a reason. It protects them from the sunlight and the hot winds to some extent. Alternately, you could wear hats which serve the same purpose and shade your face from the sun..

* Exercise in moderation

While taking care of your health is important, exercising too much in this weather will most probably only affect your health adversely. If you lose too much sweat during the summers, you run the risk of being dehydrated. And exercising in the sun can also lead to a heat stroke. If you have to walk, do so in the early morning before the sun comes out- which happens as early as 7 sometimes and starts heating everything up. Or do it at night or late evening. All forms o strenuous exercise should otherwise be reserved for cooled gyms and indoor rooms.

* Take a cool shower

During summers, you can easily bathe twice or thrice a day. A good shower can be very refreshing after a hot day as it helps bring down the body temperature. Showers and cold water baths also clean you of the sweat and grime that is sure to stick to your body in this heat. So take as many showers as you want to when you feel hot. They often help you feel energized when you are feeling tired and sapped of energy.

* Proper Diet

Eat a healthy and light diet full of fruits and fresh vegetables. Cut down on food items that produce heat like red meat and dry fruits. Instead, opt for fish if you are a non-vegetarian. People who like sweets should steer clear of halwas and ghee-rich sweets and opt for lighter sweet dishes like ice creams and ice lollies. Watermelons are a great fruit to have in this weather as they are rich in water and their amino acid boosts energy and cuts down on fatigue. Do not skip breakfast as an empty stomach can cause dizziness during extremely hot days.