Dealing with the heat

Caitlyn Woodbury

caitlyn.gabsbitesizeblogs@gmail.com

Hi everyone, I wanted to write something slightly different this week because I don’t know about you, but I am dying from this heat. Over the weekend, we had a large heatwave, with some areas of the country hitting 35 degrees Celsius! As a chubby, pale skinned girly on anti-depressants (do I hate the sun, or does it hate me?) I thought I would write about the tips and tricks to survive this summer, because we all know this heatwave was just the beginning!

First things first, basic but important, DRINK WATER!! I used to be terrible for this, to the point where heat exhaustion was a yearly tradition. I know how tedious it can be constantly filling up glass, after glass, after glass. My best recommendation is to buy a massive water bottle- at least 1 litre- so that you can just have it beside you to drink. As I’m writing this blog, I have a Stanley filled with water, making it easy for me to just reach over and take a sip. For even better results, buy 2 water bottles, fill both up and place one in the fridge while you drink out of the other. This is definitely the most important tip out of all the ones I will share.

Next, get those fans on and those windows open! Now I am sure that everyone would do this anyway, but I will leave no tip unsaid. Getting that breeze circulating your room is the most important thing to stay cool. If you specifically only want one room cold (because you hate your siblings, or someone is complaining they’re cold) then keep the door shut. My favourite activity in the summer is to just sit in front of a fan for hours (sad I know).

Keep clothes light and airy. Get those jumpers and skinny jeans out of here! You don’t want clothes that will stick to you. If somehow you can cope with material going right down to your ankles, make sure that they are baggy and thin. You want trousers that you can stretch and shake far away from your actual leg. If possible, try and keep clothes a lighter colour as they absorb the sun less. If you are a hospitality worker like me, I don’t know what to say, we are all just screwed!

Shade is your best friend. It’s never been for me, but I know a lot of people love to tan. However, the large amount of UV, especially if the previous tips aren’t followed, can make people feel quite ill. If you are sunbathing, make sure to take breaks in the shade as well to allow your body to reset and cool down. And obviously please use sun cream- skin cancer is no joke guys!

If you are lucky enough to have a pool, definitely use it (and please invite me round). It is a great way to cool down, but like I said before, please make sure to take breaks, drink non-pool water and wear your suncream!

Please stay safe this summer guys! With global warming and the increase of generative AI, these heatwaves are going to become our new normal. Enjoy the sun but keep that water and suncream with you!