14 tips to stay cool during hot weather – and why eating ice cream can actually make you hotter
THE heat is finally on.
After weeks of rain and blustery weather, we are now basking in glorious sunshine.
But the sudden warmth can sometimes be a bit too much.
Grace Macaskill brings you our top tips for keeping cool . . .
1. Eat your water: Cucumber and tomatoes are 95 per cent water, so top up your fluid intake with these healthy snacks.
2. Get wet: Experts say soggy clothes release heat in the same way sweating does.
3. On ice: Use ice cubes to rub the body’s pulse points: Wrists and neck, the inside of elbows, the knees and tops of feet.
4. Keep kids in: Scientists reckon children suffer when the mercury hits 32C and time outdoors should be limited at that temperature.
Anything above that, it is best they stay inside.
5. Get your feet wet: Take a cool bowl of water and dunk your trotters into it.
Feet and ankles are “hit zones” which, when cooled, can bring down your body temperature.
6. Be wary of ice cream: There might seem nothing nicer in the heat than a tasty cone of soft scoop but scientists urge caution.
They say that because the treat is packed with milk, fat and sugar, the body uses a lot of energy to consume it — making you hotter.
Try sugar-free lollies instead.
7. Wear a hat: Then take it off! A hat can shield you from the sun but also holds in heat, so don’t forget to give yourself a break from headwear while in the shade.
8. Curtain call: Keep blinds and curtains shut all day, particularly those facing the sun.
Open them in the evening after the sun has gone down.
9. Don’t rush to open windows: The heat outside can be greater than that indoors.
Only open windows when it’s cool outside.
And where possible, open them on opposite sides of the house too to try to create a breeze flowing through.
10. Spicy idea: it might seem counterintuitive to eat spicy food but it helps in the hot weather.
The capsaicin in hot chilli peppers, for example, makes you sweat more easily, releasing body heat.
11. Don’t mess about: TikTokers have been promoting the use of ice cubes hanging from fans to cool a room.
Avoid this unless you want to short the electricity in your house.
12. Eat smart: Have light meals so your body won’t generate energy — and heat — consuming massive dishes.
13. Dress well: Wear light colours to reflect the sun and chose natural fibres such as cotton which “breathe” more easily.
Loose-fitting styles can be more comfortable in the heat.
14. Switch up your exercise routine: There is nothing to stop you working out when it’s hot but it is better to opt for an air-conditioned gym or even go for a swim instead.
If you like being outside, get your exercise in during the coolest part of the day, so in the early morning or evening.