How To Make Your Heatwave Survival Plan
As improbable as it may seem to anyone who looked out their window in recent weeks and saw snow falling, it seems that the UK is set for a hot summer, which is likely to be preceded by a few spring heatwaves. While this will no doubt be music to the ears of some – there are definite benefits from sunny weather – it’s pretty clear that there are also things to be less excited about when it comes to long stretches of hot, sunny days.
None of this means that we can’t still enjoy fun days out at the beach, but it is a good idea to have a plan in place for dealing with those days and weeks when the mercury spikes into the high 20s and beyond. And below, we will look at some measures you can put in place to ensure a summer period that you remember for the right reasons, rather than one that makes you pine for the cooler, wetter days of autumn.
Protect yourself from all angles
A hot summer presents a number of ways that you can be made uncomfortable, or even ill, and it’s essential to have countermeasures in place. For example, hydration, which is important all year round, becomes absolutely essential when it’s hotter. Buy a couple of fridge jugs – in fact, buy as many as you can fit in your fridge – and keep refilling them so there’s always cold water available. If you’re going outside, keep yourself topped up with sun protection cream and reapply it every two hours as a minimum. Rest often, and when you rest outdoors, keep to shaded areas. And all of this goes double for kids, who will need reminding to be cautious. Wear loose clothing – and consider freezing it in advance!
Keep your spaces comfortable
If you’re working from home, then you may not be able to rely on a commercial air conditioning system, so you’ll need to box clever. Cooling pads are a popular measure for people with pets so their furry friends don’t overheat, but they’re also not a bad idea for you if you’re trying to work in a heatwave. Keep blinds drawn when the sun is beating down, and keep the windows closed during the day. Consider other spaces where you might be spending time: your car can become a furnace if left out on the driveway, so check out carport builders to create a shaded space. Look at eating lighter meals too – they take less digesting, which keeps you cool, and they also don’t require putting an oven on.
Know when to come to a stop
People may not realise it, but simply existing in hot weather burns energy. Your cardiovascular system has to work harder to pump blood even if you’re completely still. So you can’t do everything in a heatwave that you would in normal circumstances. That’s another reason not to cook big meals – salads, sandwiches and smoothies are nutritious, low-energy alternatives. Also consider “rewilding” areas of your garden. You don’t need to keep a pristine lawn, and in this weather it’s a huge waste of water anyway; plus, the less maintenance it needs, the better for keeping you cool and comfortable.
