It's just February and almost all parts of India can already feel the heat of approaching summer. After NASA announced last month to be the third warmest January in 137 years, India Meteorological Department, on Monday, recorded a maximum temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius in New Delhi, making it the hottest February day since 2007.
One of the best ways to deal with summer heat is by keeping your body cool, not only for the comfort but also to avoid health conditions such as extreme dehydration, heat cramps and heat stroke, caused due to high temperatures. As we continue to grapple with the scorching heat of the February sun and await merciless months ahead, here are some easy lifestyle changes that can help you stay cool and survive the brutal Indian summer:
Eat light
Summers are not the time to indulge in heavy meals or have protein-rich diet. Eating generally increases the body temperature due to the natural chemical reactions involved in digesting the food. The heavier the meal, the higher would be the metabolic heat. This is also the time to say no to spicy as well as salty food. While spicy food revs up the heat in the body, salt promotes dehydration. Though most summer afternoons may seem to be the perfect time to indulge in a glass of chilled beer or sip Sangria slowly, it would be better if you choose something non-alcoholic instead as these indulgences would further dehydrate your body.
Load up breathable fabrics
No fashion trend is worth the discomfort and health issues caused due to improper clothing. During summers, the best way to keep your body cool and dry is by wearing fabrics that allow easy airflow and absorb moisture. Breathability is not solely defined by the kind of the fibre used, but also how the fibre is weaved in to the fabric. Fabrics made of natural fibres—cotton, rayon, linen—are more comfortable and can absorb moisture better. Meanwhile, synthetic fabrics and even tightly-woven natural fibres, tend to trap moisture and hold sweat against the wearer's skin, thus increasing body heat. So, this summer load your wardrobe with fabrics made of lightly-woven natural fibre.
Exercise wisely
Summer is a great time to tweak your daily workout schedule to include more outdoor activities. However, be wary of what the harsh sun can do to your body until and unless you are training for an event that would require you to perform during hot hours of the day. Otherwise, alter your workout hours to make best of early morning, before sunrise, for jogging, running, cycling, or even pursuing sports of your choice. If you cannot change your timing, then consider slowing down or reducing the workout duration to avoid increasing the core temperature of the body and to control exertion. Also, remember to stay hydrated and keep refilling yourself with electrolytes and salt to avoid fatigue.
Keep your home cool
A cool home can give you a cool body and a cooler mind. You'd be surprised to see how a few changes here and there could considerably lower the temperature inside the house. One simple way to do it is by creating cross-ventilation. Keep your windows open to allow cross breeze in the room. If you do not have more than one window in a room, position a fan across the room, facing the window. This is not only to make the room airy, but also provide heat relief. Also, making use of exhaust fans and bathroom fans is an easy way of keeping your kitchen free from the heat produced from cooking, and bathrooms from that caused due to high humidity levels. Avoiding incandescent lights is yet another way of keeping your home cool. Last but not least, make sure to draw the blinds and curtains before stepping out to avoid the greenhouse effect in your home.
