Staying Cool While Out & About During the Hot Summer

The fifth and final installation of our series on Stay Cool in the Summer!

No car? No problem. You can still go about your daily life comfortably during the summer heat with simple adjustments to your routine. There is no need to feel dependant on gas-guzzling modes of transport when you have these tips to help keep you cool.

• Avoid peak sunlight hours: the sun’s rays are hottest between 10 a.m. and 3p.m., so avoid going out as best you can during this time. Slight changes to your daily routine can go a long way in keeping you cool.
• Travel light: If you are moving around during the hot day and don’t have a car, don’t carry heavy parcels or shopping bags. Instead, take a buggy or shopping trundle and avoid excess activity whenever possible.
• Keep out of direct sun: You can use an umbrella or parasol when outdoors to provide you with portable shade. Wide brimmed hats and long sleeves can also help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Sweat it out: Sweating is your body’s way of naturally cooling itself down. Water vapor produced by sweating takes heat away from your body if it is exposed to air and evaporates.

Dress appropriately: There are several strategies to prepare for a hot day, but your outfit should depend on your situation:

• Wear loosely-woven natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, or line. These are much more breathable than polyester, rayon, or other artificial fibers.
• Wear light colors which reflect light and heat, as darker colors will absorb the sun's heat and stay warmer longer than light or white clothing.
• If there is low humidity, covering up may actually keep your cooler then showing skin since you will be shading your skin from the direct heat of the sun. You will also be protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but be sure your clothing is breathable and made of natural and loose-fitting fabrics.

Shade the back of your neck: You can do this by wearing a hat or loose scarf, or pulling your shirt collar up. In extreme heat you can even put a wet handkerchief on the back of the neck. The body’s sensor for our temperature is on the back of the neck. By keeping the back of your neck cool, you are actually tricking the  rest of your body think that you are much cooler than it actually is and does wonders to keeping you comfortable.

If you have any other tips on how to stay cool without the A/C, leave us a comment and let us know!

And if you liked this, you’ll love this Green Ways to Save Money

Part 1 of our Series on Staying Cool in the Summer

Part 2 of our Series on Staying Cool in the Summer

Part 3 of our Series on Staying Cool in the Summer

Part 4 of our Series on Staying Cool in the Summer

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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