How to stay cool in the heat
The temperature is creeping up...
At best, it’s uncomfortable, and at worst it can be seriously dangerous. So, what are some ways you can stay at a safe temperature?
We asked our colleagues at H&B to share their most innovative tips for beating the heatwave...
These are just extras to help you cool down; you’ll need to follow all government and health guidelines on hot weather, too.
Try to stay inside during the hottest hours of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm) and seek shade wherever possible.¹
Keep an eye on the news and don’t travel unless necessary if there are warnings. Check on elderly people, children, or those who may otherwise be particularly vulnerable in a heatwave.
With the official safety guidelines in mind, here are a few bonus ways you can stay cool...
1. Invest in a fan
It’s an obvious option... but it’s also one of the most effective. If you can, have a fan ready and check it works before the hot weather arrives.
If it’s extremely hot, try placing a bowl of ice water or a large frozen water bottle in front of it to help cool the air.
2. Work with your home
Shut your curtains to help keep warm air out. It might be tempting to throw open the windows and doors, but be tactical – only open them when it’s cooler outside than in.
Leave windows open on the side of your house where the sun isn’t facing, and swap throughout the day.
Covering windows and glass doors will also help keep the heat out. Thermal blinds are a good investment as they help keep things warm in winter and cool in summer.
3. Brave the cold shower
Again, you’re likely already doing this when the hot weather hits. But did you know that cold showers may boost your circulation, help reduce depression, and more?² ³
Try a quick splash at lunch time to help keep you cool in the hottest hours of the day and refresh you for the afternoon.
4. Focus on the right spots
Certain areas of your body heat you up and cool you down quicker than others.
Applying cool water or ice packs to the back of the neck, your wrists and ankles, the backs of your elbows and knees, your temples, and your inner thighs can help your body to cool down more effectively.
Your hands, feet, and cheeks can also help you cool down. They’re known as glabrous (non-hairy) areas, and they have densely packed blood vessel structures that help to remove heat from the core of the body.⁴
Dip your feet in a bowl of ice water while you work, or apply cold, wet towels to these areas.
5. Freeze a hot water bottle
They’re a staple in winter – so why can’t we use them in the opposite way?
Half-fill a hot water bottle with cold water and freeze, then wrap in a tea towel and use as a giant ice pack.
However, do NOT use the bottle for hot water again after this. Freezing a hot water bottle may weaken it and could lead to breakages and severe burns if you use it for hot water again.
Use a designated hot water bottle for cold water – choose one that’s a different colour to your usual or label it.
No panic-buying here! But it’s a good idea to be prepared if there’s something you anticipate you’ll need.
For example, have a few ice cube trays handy so you’re not running to the shops in the middle of a heatwave.
And consider your pets – consider buying them a cooling mat ahead of time to make sure they're safe, too. You might even want a spare for yourself!