Ways to Survive the Summer

Summer is hands down the worst time of the year. It’s just so, so hot, and any pros of the season just melts away because nothing will ever be worth this hellish heat. As a certified summer hater, I’ve braved enough of them to have developed tactics to survive. Whether it be by staying cool at home or finding ways to not evaporate when outside, here are some practical remedies to beat the summer heat. 

First and foremost, STAY HYDRATED! Hydration is truly the foundation of health in the summertime, and dehydration will sneak up on you if you’re not conscious about drinking enough water. Fatigue, dizziness, and even heat stroke could follow if you’re too dehydrated. The easiest step to hydration is to have a water bottle with you at all times. Especially if you’re spending time outside, an iced water can be a literal life saver. If you’re averse to drinking plain water, you can make it more appealing by infusing it. Try throwing in slices of lemon, cucumber or berries for a slight fruity flavor. Or try a tea bag to make some cold barley tea. You could also try eating fruits and veggies with high water content into your meals. Watermelon, cucumbers and oranges make for a great snack packing some minerals and vitamins to fight off the heat. 

Next, be practical in how you dress. How you feel in the sun can be seriously impacted by what fabrics or styles you wear. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that can let your skin sweat. Some heavier fabrics like synthetics might instead absorb your sweat, making it hot, damp and uncomfortable. As tight clothing can also trap heat, wear loose, flowy pieces that let air circulate. Don’t forget to wear light colored clothes, as darker clothing will absorb sunlight, while lighter colors reflect it. Finally, be conscious of how much skin you expose. Wearing minimal clothing can be comfortable at times, but an itchy, peeling rash won’t be worth the temporary comfort. Yet covering your whole body might not be the best solution either, as it might unnecessarily trap heat and make you feel like a walking sauna. Try going for what’s best for you, and don’t forget to use sunscreen. 

Don’t forget is a bit of an understatement—use sunscreen RELIGIOUSLY in the summer. It’ll save you from short term rashes and long-term skin cancer. All you need to do is apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours (or as often as you can) to have your future self thank you. 

If you’re feeling overheated during the day, a quick shower can make you feel like you’re ascending to the pearly gates (in a good way). The instant relief and gratification can improve your mental and physical wellbeing in just five minutes. If you’re outside, you can try topically cooling your body to achieve a similar effect. Try putting ice on your pulse points like your wrists, neck or temples to relieve the heat. Ideally, you could dip your feet in a cold water bath for maximum results. In places without these resources, I have a mental mindfulness technique that helps. Say out loud as many times as you need that it’s not hot at all. While sometimes this technique is absolutely useless and makes me feel even hotter, other times, it acts as a sort of distraction, and makes my brain believe what I’m saying.

Here are some tactics I have for keeping my room cool. Ideally, I’d keep the AC running 24/7. But that’s not too good for the environment, nor for the energy bill. Instead, I like to use an electric keeping the air in my room circulating. Keeping the curtains and blinds shut also help, as they deflect the heat from entering your room. A dehumidifier also makes a huge difference during the worst of times, as the humidity can be just terrible in Japan. Removing the moisture in the air can help make you feel cooler and more comfortable overall. 

While the summer heat isn’t trying to kill you (it is a season, not a person) it can kill you, so be careful, and protect yourself from the heat in whatever ways you can. Stay hydrated, dress smart and keep your house cool to stay as cool as you can and maximize survival chances.