Heat Wave: 5 Tips To Cool Down
During periods of heat waves or high temperatures, there is nothing better than water to lower your body temperature. But are you sure you have the right reflexes to better withstand the summer heat? Here are 5 tips to know to cool down.
1- Take a shower... but not too cold
The first instinct we often think of when we get too hot is to take a shower. This is a good idea, but only if you set the water temperature properly.
During hot weather or a heat wave, we all too often tend to take a cold shower. But, in reality, this is not the best thing to do because cold water causes an increase in body heat by reaction.
To cool down more sustainably, it's best to take your shower lukewarm and not dry off completely as you exit the shower.
In fact, the body cools itself best by evaporation, as evidenced by the natural mechanism of sweating, which lowers body temperature by evaporating.
To note: after a sports session or any other physical activity, it is recommended to wait at least 15 minutes before taking a shower to avoid a thermal shock. Resist the urge to rush under the cold water jet: you might feel sick!
2- Use a mister... with a fan
The water mist is another well-known solution to better withstand hot weather. To lower body temperature, it's a good idea to get wet, specifically targeting the upper body (arms, chest and neck).
Nevertheless, when it is very hot, as during a heat wave for example, the relief provided by misting sometimes seems quite ephemeral...
The second tip to cool down more effectively is to use a fan to promote the evaporation of micro-droplets on the skin. The combination of the mister and the fan will allow you to cool your body better, still using the same evaporation process.
However, avoid placing yourself in front of an electric fan whose air current is more powerful: you could suffer from muscle strain or a stiff neck...
3- Refresh your face... with floral water
In hot weather, perspiration also beads up on the face, on the forehead and upper lip. To cool off, most people draw on their thermal water spray.
However, unlike other parts of the body, it's not a good idea to let the water evaporate on the face because it dries out the skin.
To avoid dehydrating your epidermis, it's best to use a floral water like refreshing cornflower water or Roman chamomile hydrosol with softening properties.
After misting, don't let your skin dry, but gently dab your face with a cotton square. This way, your skin will stay moisturized and won't feel tight.
4- Take a foot bath... with salt water
In the summer, as soon as the temperatures rise, many people suffer from heavy legs and swollen feet. Another trick to cool down while remedying these circulatory problems is to take a foot bath with cool water.
To maximize the effect of this foot bath on your venous circulation, consider adding a handful of coarse salt to the tub.
If you have some, you can also use table salt instead:
- sodium bicarbonate: it has a softening effect for the skin and antifungal in case of foot fungus
- Epsom salt: this salt, rich in minerals and magnesium, has a relaxing effect on the whole body.
5- Drink lots of water... but not ice cold
Finally, the last tip for cooling off in hot weather is of course to drink plenty of water. It is essential to drink regularly during a heat wave or heat wave in order to avoid dehydration.
In order to compensate for water and mineral losses from Sweating you should drink without waiting to be thirsty, in small sips throughout the day.
But be careful not to drink too ice cold! Not only does ice water quench your thirst quickly (which encourages you to drink less), but it can also cause digestive upset like stomach aches and diarrhea.
If you don't like to drink plain water, choose fresh water with lemon slices or mint leaves.
