As the summer stretches on, you might be finding yourself frustrated by the unrelenting heat. Staying cool is key not just to keeping yourself healthy when the temperature starts to climb but also remaining focused and productive during the summer months. COVID-19 still restricts activities depending on where you’re located, and safety protocols can add an extra challenge to figuring out how to entertain yourself without succumbing to the summer heat. If you’re sweaty and struggling, let’s go over six tips for staying cool this summer.
1. Plan some stay-at-home summer fun.
With the ongoing pandemic and children home from school, finding activities that are both safe and enjoyable is tough. Planning games and projects that you can do inside or in your backyard is going to be your best bet. Camp may be off the table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make s’mores or do some arts and crafts at the kitchen table.
2. Make sure your A/C is in working and good condition.
If you have an air conditioner or the ability to have one installed, it can be a lifesaver. It’s an even more important investment if you have pets or small children. Certain parts of the country especially are consistently hot enough to make a working A/C a necessity in the summer months. If you’re in Florida, where the heat and humidity are high for most of the summer, look into Direct AC maintenance Miami. Using a BBB-accredited company that can create a custom maintenance plan specifically for you is a safer bet than trying to figure it out on your own. The last thing you want is to damage your air conditioning unit and put yourself in a position where you don’t have any way to cool off when it gets hot.
3. Break out your summer clothes.
In the heat, keeping yourself in loose-fitting, breathable fabrics and comfortable clothes is essential. If your warm-weather wardrobe is still packed away from the winter, it’s time to dig out the tank tops and flip flops, because you’re not going to be comfortable in leather boots and a pullover when it’s 90 degrees in the shade.
If you find yourself needing a summer wardrobe, you can shop without leaving your home and save money by checking out online sales. Chico’s summer sale, for example, is available both online and in-stores and offers big discounts on popular staples like shorts, crop tops, capris, summer dresses, and more. If you’re a smart shopper, you can beat the department store prices and get more for your money by scoping out sales at retailers like Chico’s.
4. Stay safe with outdoor activities.
Following the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and having summer fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Outdoor activities where you can maintain space between yourself and others are the way to go. Fortunately, that means many outdoor sports and even trips to the park can be a safe way to spend time away from home. Grab a mask and go play catch or frisbee with a friend or family member, or go for a bike ride in the sun, just keep your distance.
5. Consider an inflatable pool or some sprinklers.
If you don’t have an in-ground pool, you might want to consider another option for cooling down. Inflatable pools are an inexpensive way to get a little relief from the heat in your backyard or on your patio. This is a great option, especially for families with kids or pets. Sprinklers are another way for kids to have fun, and they have the bonus of watering your plants or your grass, too!
6. Keep yourself hydrated.
One thing that’s important no matter what you do is drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. There’s always a risk of overheating or even having more serious problems like heatstroke if you’re not taking care of yourself. If you find yourself feeling lightheaded or getting sunburned, take a break in the shade for a while. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the summer heat, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Between all the stress brought on by recent events and ongoing restrictions on activities outside the house, it might be difficult to imagine having some summer fun. There’s no need to worry because there are plenty of ways to enjoy keeping cool without stepping outside your front door. If you’re able to in your area, outdoor activities seem to carry less risk than indoor ones, so don’t be afraid to engage in some outdoor activities with a mask and some social distancing. No matter where you live, there are plenty of ways to stay cool when it gets hot this summer.
