Heat that burdens
Summer is in full swing and temperatures are soaring. This fact is a daily burden not only for the elderly, the sick or the overweight. When it is too hot, young and healthy people also suffer from the heat. Read here how to survive the hot summer days.
Open windows only at certain times
If it is still cool outside and the sun is not yet shining strongly, it is the best time for vigorous ventilation. In the evening, at night and in the morning, you can boldly open all windows wide. As soon as it starts to get hot outside, you should keep the warm air out. It is also advisable not to give the warm sunbeams any opportunity to heat up the room. Therefore, darken the room with roller shutters, blinds or curtains.
Thermal radiation is held off more effectively if it is repelled from the outside. If this is not possible for you, you can use this trick: clamp a thin towel between the window so tightly that it covers the pane from the outside.
The right clothing
Anyone venturing out of the house in high temperatures should wear appropriate clothing. Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to go out into the heat in short clothing. Clothing that covers little skin not only increases the chance of an unpleasant sunburn. The sun also heats up the body significantly through direct action on the skin. Airy, loose clothing that allows air to circulate around the body is best suited. In contrast to tight-fitting clothing, this creates a cooling effect when sweating. Fabrics such as cotton and linen also trap very little air, which is why they are ideal in summer. Also, choose light colors, as these reflect sunlight and do not have a heating effect like dark colors. A hat is also a helpful companion, as it protects the head and face through shade. The wider the brim, the more shade it provides.
Take in enough fluids
This tip is emphasized so often for a reason. Sweating in the heat causes a lot of fluid to be lost – including trace elements and minerals. Blood pressure and circulation suffer particularly from the heat and the lack of fluids, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, concentration problems, exhaustion and circulatory disorders. It is therefore ideal to consume up to 3 liters of liquid. Ideally water or unsweetened teas. Even if cold drinks are tempting in the heat, they put additional strain on the circulation. The body has to use a lot of energy to heat cold items to body temperature. Lukewarm or slightly cooled drinks are gentler.
Light meals
Hand in hand with the right drink, attention should be paid to optimal food. Here, too, the goal is not to put additional strain on the body. Light and digestible dishes such as vegetables and fruit as well as low-fat dairy products, lean meat and fish are ideal for summer. Rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and essential fatty acids, they supply the body gently. Sumptuous meals are not recommended. Better to eat smaller portions spread throughout the day. Water-rich foods are also useful in the heat. Watermelon, tomato and cucumber, for example, are refreshing due to their high water content.
The right temperature when showering
Cold showers in the heat sound soothing and refreshing. Unfortunately, they stimulate the circulation, which causes you to sweat even more after the shower. Lukewarm showers do not have this effect.
Let air circulate in the room
Fans do not lower the temperature in the room, but they set the air in the room in motion and let the sweat on the skin evaporate. It is best not to let the fan run constantly and do not point it directly at yourself. Otherwise, the body threatens to cool down too much, which can lead to tension and colds. When using air conditioning systems, you should also make sure not to let them run constantly. If the temperature setting is too low, tension and colds can also occur. If the temperature difference between the room and the outside area is too large, this puts a significant strain on the circulation, which can lead to a collapse.
Lower temperature naturally
Evaporating water creates coldness. You can make great use of this effect. Place a drying rack full of damp laundry in the room you want to cool or hang wet towels over chairs. If the humidity in the room rises too much, however, you should ventilate briefly and vigorously. Muggy indoor air prevents the refreshing effect.
Water mist also cools well. Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator and use it occasionally to spray your face and arms.
Siesta
Anyone who can divide their working hours and daily routine flexibly should follow the example of Southerners and take a siesta. After the lunch break, work is particularly difficult. If possible, plan simple and less demanding tasks for this period.