by Ann E. Smith

Created on: July 22, 2008

Summer is my least favorite season as I live in a hot climate and find the heat somewhat oppressive. That being the case, surviving the heat becomes both a physical and emotional battle, as the actual heat itself can cause me to be irritable and depressed.

My main objective then in the summer is to try to stay positive and to stay cool. Here are ten tips that should help you survive the summer heat.

1) Stay indoors when possible, especially during the late morning and afternoon hours. When inside, draw the blinds or drapes to better cool your place. If you have air-conditioning, keep it consistently set at a moderate level, and use floor fans and ceiling fans to keep the cool air circulating. Do not leave doors or windows ajar, as the cool air will escape and hot air will invade your indoor quarters.

2) When in your car, run the air conditioning if you can afford it. When parking your car, choose shaded spots if possible. If you must park in the sun, consider using a visor over your windshield. If you have leather seats, you may want to use seat covers to avoid directly sitting on the toasty leather.

3) If your work environment is too warm, place a small fan in your cubicle or office. This can help provide some much-needed relief.

4) Drink lots of water. Drinking water can help cool you down. Splashing water on cold water also helps.

5) Work out indoors. If you strongly prefer jogging outside, then go very early in the morning or late afternoon. If you feel that you are getting too hot, stop and take a break. Do not push yourself too hard.

6) Go swimming! You and your children can enjoy cooling off in a nice pool, as long as the pool is appropriately cold. Of course, be sure to use lots of sunscreen.

7) Take cold showers. A cool shower can really cool you down, and an added bonus is that cold water is supposed to make your hair shiny.

8) Dress lightly. This seems like common sense, but I am amazed to see people wearing layered clothing in the heat. If your work requires you to wear long pants and long sleeves, try to select linens or other lighter fabrics. Avoid wearing all black if possible. While always a chic look, you will be warmer in black.

9) Do not sleep with too many covers. I love to have a blanket over me when sleeping. In the summer, this often leads to my waking up in an unpleasant perspiration. Removing the duvet from the bed, however, also removes the option of sleeping with more covering than that provided by a sheet. If you get warm under the sheet, extend a leg or foot out from under the sheet. It will help your body temperature cool.

10) When dining out, sit indoors and select a table that is away from the kitchen doors as well as far from any doors that lead to outdoor patios or to the parking lot. If the host or hostess takes you to an undesirable table, politely request another.

11) If engaged in outdoor social activities, wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your face as much as possible from the heat. Choose the shade when possible, including sitting under umbrellas or trees.

12) Stay positive. Since I do not like the summer, it's important for me to remember to find some things to enjoy about the season and not bask in negativity. While I do not like the heat, I do enjoy the many vegetables and fruits that are in season during the summer. It's nice to have daylight longer. And, even better, fall and the relief it brings from summer heat is just around the corner.

These are but a few tips for surviving the heat. When practiced consistently, they really do help alleviate any physical and emotional discomfort brought on by the dog days of summer.

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