25 ways to stay cool when the heat is on
Summertime and the living is not easy when a heatwave strikes. From fans to ice cream makers, it pays to be prepared with heatwave essentials; here are the smartest ways to stay cool when everyone else is melting.
1. Stay hydrated
Aim to drink between 1.5 to 2.5 litres (six to eight glasses) of fluid throughout each day during a heatwave. Tap or filtered water are the gold standard for daily hydration, but all liquid counts - so make things more interesting with a sparkling drinks maker or switch to a fridge with integrated ice and chilled water dispenser.
2. Go with the flow
Optimising air circulation is crucial during. Fans sell out fast, but our bestselling handheld fan lasts all night when fully charged. If you’re in the market for a portable air conditioning unit, get on the waitlist to be the first to know when they’re back in stock. Have cooling face mists handy, too.
3. The big freeze
Nature is forcing you to slow down and take it slow, so extend that idea to the kitchen and invest in ways to make your own frozen treats. From foolproof ice cream makers to large ice cube trays for making your own frozen yoghurt or fruit juices, it’s time to get chill.
4. Sleep easy
Lightweight, cooler bedding makes summer nights much more bearable. Cooling pillows, low tog duvets, and moisture-wicking sheets make your sleep heatwave-proof, and embrace the trend for filling a hot water bottle and putting it in the freezer, or use chilling stones, to keep you cool for even longer.
5. Keep the warm out
Daylight blocking uses thermal blackout blinds or thermal-lined curtains to keep the sun out during peak heat times. Just as you try hard to reduce the amount of Arctic air getting into your home in winter, in a heatwave you block unwanted gaps with draught excluders.
6. Dress smart
What you wear has a huge impact on how you handle the heat, choose loose fitting, light-coloured clothing in natural fabrics. Find out how to wear linen; lightweight and versatile, it's a warm-weather wardrobe saviour, wicking moisture away from your skin. If you’re braving the outside, high SPF sun protection, wide brimmed sunhats and sunglasses are essential.
Surviving heatwave FAQs:
Should I take an icy cold or warm shower to cool down?
An ice cold shower offers immediate relief by shocking your system and constricting blood vessels, which traps core heat. Instead, try a lukewarm shower to boost blood flow to your skin, allowing your body to release excess heat once you dry off.
Should I keep my windows open or closed during the day?
Keep your windows and curtains closed during the day to block out hot air and direct sunlight. Only open them early in the morning or late at night when the outside temperature drops to cycle out warm air, and close them up again before temperatures begin climbing in the morning
Does a running fan actually cool the room down?
No, the fan’s motor actually adds a bit of heat to the space, so turn fans off when you’re not near them (along with any other electronics as they all generate heat). Fans cool people by creating a windchill effect that speeds up sweat evaporation from your skin; try placing a bowl of ice directly in front of the fan to blow chilled air instead.
Heatwave essentials
