From salted crisps to switching OFF fans, these are the surprising ways scientists say you can keep cool in the heatwave
NOW is the time to keep cool and carry on. But even the most laid-back of us may struggle as temperatures soar to the mid-thirties on Monday and Tuesday next week. The Met Office has issued a “danger to life” warning – as the heatwave could top Britain’s hottest recorded temperature of 38.7C in Cambridge […]
NOW is the time to keep cool and carry on.
But even the most laid-back of us may struggle as temperatures soar to the mid-thirties on Monday and Tuesday next week.
The Met Office has issued a “danger to life” warning – as the heatwave could top Britain’s hottest recorded temperature of 38.7C in Cambridge in 2019.
Experts are warning the country could come to a standstill, while the elderly are vulnerable to heatstroke.
From switching your fan OFF to putting up bunting, follow our 25 tips to staying cool . . .
Shut up shop
It might be tempting to open every single window to get even the gentlest hint of a breeze.
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But this will heat your home faster. Keep windows closed during the day and open everything at night.
Board up the car
Use cardboard to prevent the sunlight from heating up the interior of your motor.
It is a poor heat conductor so will stop your vehicle from turning into an oven.
Cold water bottle
Fill your hot water bottle with water and pop it in the fridge. Then use it to help you stay cool in bed.
An old water bottle wrapped in a tea towel or T-shirt will do the trick too.
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Walk slowly
You might be in a hurry to get somewhere cooler, but rushing will raise your body temperature and expend energy.
Take it easy and walk at a slower pace to reduce sweating potential.
Eat little and often
It might be tempting to crank up the barbecue, but scoffing loads won’t do you any favours.
As you digest, your body can heat up and make you feel even warmer.
Mung beans
According to Chinese medicine, mung beans cool your heart, helping you to remain chilled.
Add them to a salad to make a heatwave-friendly dish.
Soak your feet
An American study found that dipping your feet in a tub of cold water lowers your core temperature.
But beware of immersing your whole body in a freezing cold bath as it could cause cold water shock.
Avoid fans
Rather than cooling your skin, fans can cause you to dehydrate in temperatures above 35C.
World Health Organization advice warns they dry sweat, which keeps you cool, so make you feel hotter.
Eat crisps
When you are sweating a lot, your body loses electrolytes and sodium (salt).
To rehydrate, you need more than just water. It is why ready salted crisps taste so satisfying on holiday.
Freeze a flannel
Dampen a cloth and add a few drops of essential oils before popping it in the freezer.
Remove after a few hours and put the flannel around your neck to keep cool.
Get the bunting out
Do as the Mexicans do and put up rows of paper bunting in your garden.
This will amplify even the slightest hint of a breeze and even provide a little bit of shade.
Plan ahead
When walking anywhere, use a map to make sure you pass by any air-conditioned super markets or department stores.
Nipping in and out will help you to cool down as you go.
Get planting
If you’re stuck in the city, green gardens are proven to keep you cooler
Trees can reduce the land temperature by as much as 12C, according to one Swiss study.
Fake tan
Avoiding direct sunlight might mean you have to compromise on your suntan.
But think ahead and get the St. Tropez fake tan on the go before it really heats up.
Watch a Christmas film
Seeing someone cold and shivering can lower your body temperature by a small but significant degree.
The University of Sussex discovered that just watching a video of someone feeling cold can reduce body heat by 0.2C.
Adopt a “wham bam” attitude
Now is not the time for cuddling with your partner if you’re in the mood for love.
Try out shower sex and definitely avoid any hanky panky during the warm daylight hours.
Buy some hot sauce
Spicy food can cool you down in the long run by making you sweat, says a 2012 study.
Eating chillies will initially raise your body temperature, but will then enable you to keep cooler for longer.
Don’t cook
Switching on the oven will heat up your kitchen.
Opt for summer-friendly dishes such as sandwiches or salads that don’t require cooking.
Suck on ice cubes
Eating frozen lollies and ice cream will keep you cool, but too much sugar can have the opposite effect.
Treat yourself now and then but scoff ice cubes to keep you both cool and hydrated.
Open the loft
Heat rises, so if you have a loft or attic, open the hatch.
This will keep the rooms you use at the top of your house from becoming too stuffy.
Get nude
At night, ditch your pyjamas and sleep in the nuddy.
This will make for a better night’s sleep as the warmth can wake you up.
Ditch caffeine
Although a frozen latte could be tempting, it will make you hotter.
The caffeine will make you feel warm and jittery, so opt for a decaf.
Chill your moisturiser
Keeping your lotion in the fridge is a great way to cool down.
It will also stop your skin drying out from the effects of air-con or a fan.
Change direction
If you are using a fan, point it towards your window in the morning.
This should keep the heat at bay before the air in your room heats up.
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Switch off electricals
Plugged-in chargers and electricals only emit a small amount of heat, but it all adds up.
Unplug everything you don’t need and consider switching to cooler, LED bulbs for lamps.