5 Tips to Cool Your Body on Hot Summer Days
By Chris Brown
As the summer months arrive, and the heat with it, everyone will be swapping their winter clothes for bathing suits and summer dresses. But when the summer heat hits too strongly, it can be crucial to know these five simple tricks for cooling the body quickly.
Submerge Yourself in Water
Whether with a swim, shower, or a spray with the hose, submerging oneself in water is the best way to quickly cool the body when overheated. Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it takes significant energy to raise its temperature. This is why, even on hot days, bodies of water remain relatively cool. That coolness can instantly transfer to one's temperature-volatile body through a dunk. The neck and forehead especially are susceptible to temperature changes, so it is important to submerge the head to feel this instant heat relief.
Put Wrists in Cool Water
If full submergence isn't feasible, it can be more practical to run your wrists under a water faucet or hose. The blood vessels at the wrist are particularly close to the skin, making them susceptible to speedy cooling. Your own circulatory system will then spread the cooler blood throughout the rest of the body. If you do not have access to a tap, a wet towel or water bottle can work similarly well to drop your temperature.
Escape to Your Car's Air Conditioning (Floor Vents On)
Most modern vehicles come equipped standard with air conditioning. When the home is too hot, a quick trip to your car can bring your temperature back to comfort levels. Utilizing the floor vent setting cools a hot car (and oneself) faster by pushing the warm air upwards. Remember though, that air conditioning is energy-intensive. Therefore, if you plan on using your car's air conditioning for any significant amount of time, it is smart to drive around to keep a charge on the battery. Another reason for a long drive on a hot summer day.
Hydrate With Water and Electrolytes
Sweat is the body's method of naturally cooling. However, it uses up much of the body's water and salt (electrolytes) reserves when doing so. As the body's hydration and electrolytes diminish, you can start to feel much hotter. If not replenished, one will eventually experience dizziness, further overheating, and heat stroke. By maintaining both electrolyte and water intake in hot environments, you can help naturally maintain a good temperature. Better yet, hydrating with a cold liquid additionally cools the body from the inside.
Search Out Shade
Temperatures in the shade may feel 10-15 degrees cooler than in direct sunlight, according to the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. This is because the sun's rays directly heat the skin which causes the skin itself to heat the body, like the burner of a stovetop. By taking a break in the shade, you can recover your skin temperature and internal heat at the same time. Plus, any breezes will improve the effectiveness of cooling, evaporative sweat.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Douglasville, Ga.