11 Tips To Survive A Heatwave

If you’re in the UK, you’re no doubt sweating it through the current heatwave.

A heatwave is a period of excessively hot weather and extreme heat, which may be accompanied by high humidity.

Wondering how to survive a heatwave? Here’s how to beat the excessive heat — even if you don’t have an air conditioner.

#1: Take a Cool Shower

A quick way to cool down after a hot day is by taking a cold shower. Not only will it lower your body temperature, but it’ll also refresh you for the rest of the day and constrict blood vessels so your skin appears tighter and brighter with less visible pores. That’s a lot of benefits!

Anytime you feel like you’re overheating, hop in the shower and let the cool water balance your body temperature and wash away the sweat. Just make sure you’re using cold water, not warm or hot water.

#2: Drink Plenty of Water

With high temperatures and heavy sweating, your body loses a lot of fluid. To prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration, make sure you’re drinking enough water every day. As a rule of thumb, you should be drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day. Or simply drink when you’re thirsty. Keep a water bottle on you at all times to remind yourself to DRINK UP!

If you struggle to drink water, there are other beverages that are just as effective at providing your body with fluids, such as juices, sports drinks, and teas. It’s just important to get plenty of fluids to provide your body with adequate hydration.

Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these act as diuretics, causing your body to lose more water.

#3: Use a Cooling Face Mist

Whenever you feel yourself getting hot and sweaty, spritz on a cooling face mist to instantly calm and cool your complexion. If you don’t have one on hand, use a spray bottle filled with cold water to freshen up throughout the day.

#4: Wear Sunscreen

While health experts recommend staying inside during a heatwave to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, when you do go outside, be sure to slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Not only will this protect you from sunburn, but it’ll also ward off free radical damage which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.

#5: Invest in a Fan

Opening the doors and using box fans to push hot air outdoors can help keep your home cool and comfortable. It also promotes air circulation so you have a nice air flow to keep you feeling chill.

When the sun rises, close all the doors and windows — and the curtains and blinds too. This will keep the indoors cool for as long as possible.

#6: Wear Loose Dresses

Stay cool this summer by wearing loose-fitting clothing instead of fitted attire. You’ll feel so much more comfortable — and a lot less sweaty.

#7: Apply a Cooling Mask

A hydrating, cooling mask can work wonders on hot days. Rainbow’s Hydrate Mask is a cooling jelly formula of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to quell inflammation, reduce redness, and seal in lasting hydration for your dewiest, calmest skin. Best of all, you can use it on both your face and body for all over heat relief. Pop it in the refrigerator 30 minutes before using for an intensive cooling treatment.

#8: Switch on the Air Conditioning (If You Have it)

Not everyone has the luxury of air conditioning in their homes. But if you have it, make sure you switch it on! You could even invite friends and family over that don’t have air conditioning in their home to give them time out from the heat.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and be sure to use the air con as frequently as needed to keep yourself cool during the summer heat.

#9: Visit Public Areas with Air Conditioning

No air con? No problem. Head to a public area with air conditioning, like your local shopping mall, library, movie theatre. There are even cooling centers you can go to to temporarily deal with the health effects of a heat wave.

#10: Switch to a Silk Pillowcase

Instead of sleeping on a cotton pillowcase which can make your night sweats even worse, invest in a silk pillowcase for a cooler night’s sleep. Silk and satin are great options for keeping you cool at night. They also have the added bonus of preventing morning frizz and sleep creases caused by the friction of conventional cotton pillowcases.

#11: Stay Inside During the Hottest Parts of the Day

It’s best to stay indoors during a heatwave in order to avoid unpleasant and potentially life threatening consequences. Especially during the hottest parts of the day, stay indoors and keep your home as cool as possible. Try to plan your day around the weather forecast so that you only go out during the coolest parts of the day.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

True heat emergencies include heat cramps, heat rash, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Make sure you know the signs, and get emergency help as soon as possible.

Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that typically occur in hot environments. Heat rash symptoms can range from small blisters to deep, inflamed lumps. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher in a short amount of time, with additional symptoms ranging from headaches to dizziness and cramps. Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, excessive sweating, thirst, cramps, and a high temperature of 38C or above. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the above warning signs.

Heatwaves don’t have to be dangerous as long as you follow some precautions. Make sure you stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, keep your home cool, and drink plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses.

If you don’t feel well during the heatwave, visit a doctor straight away for professional assistance. It’s important to get help as soon as possible if you think you may be suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion.