It’s summer and the sun is beating down in the sky outside. During the day, bodies and buildings heat up, we are sluggish, tired and powerless. Concentration in school and office leaves a lot to be desired – and all people who work hard physically are even more affected by the heat. At night it cools down only a little, so that sleep is difficult or impossible to think about. But how do we cool down a bit in the high temperatures? Try these tips!
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The right clothes
Actually, we would prefer not to wear anything in the heat, but that’s usually not possible. Therefore, wear airy clothing such as dresses, skirts, tunics, light and airy T-shirts and tops, and shorts . If the latter is not possible, reach for other trousers made of thin fabric such as e.g. B. Linen . The feet are also happy about more freedom. Open-toed shoes such as sandals, flip-flops or mules are now ideal.
The right drinks
On hot days you should drink even more than you already have. That can sometimes be 1 to 2.5 liters more per day. Tap and mineral water are best, but also teas, as well as diluted fruit and vegetable juices or infused water . However, do not take the drinks ice-cold, but rather at room temperature or slightly warm. This may sound paradoxical, but it helps the body to cool down more effectively. If you drink ice-cold drinks, the body first has to warm them up to body temperature. This costs energy and also heats up.
Also exciting: make healthy iced tea yourself >>
Cool down for in between
The nearest outdoor pool is not nearby, but you still need to cool off? Try these cooling tricks:
- A fan with swivel function lets sweat evaporate from the skin and cools down a little.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and treat yourself to a little cooling every now and then. Thermal water sprays or body sprays with essential oils such as menthol, lavender or lemon are also refreshing.
- Run cold water over the inside of your wrists . This ensures pleasant freshness in between. A cool pack or cold washcloth has the same effect. If possible, you can also run cold water over your knees and feet .
- A cold bottle , the opposite of a hot water bottle, an ice pack or cool pack stays cold for a long time and provides additional refreshment. Put this e.g. B. under the feet.
Cooling down already during body care
- Instead of taking an ice-cold shower, you should take a lukewarm shower . The effect is like that of lukewarm drinks. If you take a shower that is too cold, your body will have to warm up to normal body temperature afterwards. This costs energy and also heats up.
- Air drying is a better way to cool off than a cold shower . Dry yourself only lightly and let the remaining moisture evaporate in the air. This cools the body down in a similar way to sweating. A slight breeze increases the cooling effect.
- Store your creams and serums in the refrigerator at high temperatures . On the one hand, this extends the shelf life, but on the other hand it also provides a refreshment when applied. Look for light creams and serums with moisturizers like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
- Ice gels from the drugstore help e.g. B. against heat-related heavy and tired legs. Apply the gel to the affected areas and enjoy the refreshment.
Cool tips for restful sleep
- For a good night’s sleep, you can hang damp sheets and towels in the bedroom in the evening. Open the windows so that the humidity does not get too high. The evaporated moisture cools the air.
- Before going to bed, open all the windows and ventilate thoroughly. If there is no wind, put a fan on the windowsill . This blows air into the rooms and thus facilitates ventilation by draft.
- Swap your cozy bedding for light bedding, e.g. B. made of silk or linen . A cooling, thin blanket is also recommended. If it is still too warm, a thin sheet is enough to cover you .
- Sleep at night with a thin shirt rather than completely naked . This can lead to the body cooling down overnight.