GUEST BLOGGER: Top 10 Tips to “Beat the Heat”

Top 10 Tips to “Beat the Heat” 

By Trish Robichaud

Finding ways to “beat the heat” can be about far more than just comfort, especially for those of us who have a chronic health condition.  When you have multiple sclerosis for example, staying cool (or as cool as possible) over the summer can mean the difference between maintaining energy, equilibrium and perhaps even mobility and spending the season in what I call “horizontal mode”. 

Having an invisible chronic illness presents additional challenges that include giving ourselves permission to take self-care seriously when the people around us think we “look just fine”. If you live with depression as I do (another invisible illness), staying comfortable can mean that life goes on as normal instead of melting into a pile of lethargy and total lack of motivation.

Here are ten tips to help you stay cool when the temperature soars.  Try as many as you can to lower your internal thermometer.

1. Air conditioning

Whether that means central air or a window unit, air conditioning is going to be your best friend.  I have a window unit in my bedroom for maximum benefit while sleeping.  If air conditioning isn’t possible, a dehumidifier and a couple of fans can help.  By removing some of the humidity from the air and creating a current, the temperature will feel cooler.  When all else fails, go to the mall, the library or any place that has air conditioning.

2. Keep the sun out

During the summer months, the mid-day sun is a killer.  Be sure to keep the window shades drawn from around 11:00 am till at least 2:00 pm.  The sun shining into the house during this period can leave the temperature much warmer in the afternoon and evening than it needs to be.

3. Sleep alone

I know, it sounds a little lonely but it’ll be much cooler than that abundance of body heat that comes with a spouse, a child, a dog or even the family cat sharing the bed with you.

4. Wear cotton

Cotton takes perspiration away from the skin leaving you drier and more comfortable.  Go for light coloured cotton clothes, cotton nightwear and bedding.  Cotton sheets will not only absorb night sweats, but will also permit your skin to breath, allowing you to be more comfortable and less restless.  We all know that better sleep leads to more energy and a healthier attitude during the day.

5. Cool showers & baths

There’s nothing more satisfying than a cool bath or shower when your body temperature is elevated.  I’ve even found that between showers running cold water over my wrists (or any other pulse point) for a few minutes at a time cools me down.  When I can’t sleep at night because of the heat, I fill a pan with cold water and soak my feet.  It really helps to lower the body temperature.

6.Keep exercise moderate

Exercise is so important for our general well being.  I know that it’s temping to skip it entirely when it’s hot out but this can be detrimental at so many levels.  The best rule of thumb would be to keep it moderate.  Don’t push yourself to working up an all out sweat.  Keep it at a moderate level and be sure to take a cool shower afterwards to bring your body temperature back down.

7. Try swimming

If at all possible, choose swimming as your form of exercise during the summer.  Swimming is a wonderful activity because it works all the major muscle groups while maintaining a lower body temperature.

8. Seek shade

When you’re going to be outside, always sit in the shade.  Even better, sit in the shade where there’s a breeze if possible. 

9. Wear a hat

The sun beating down on your head has a great deal of impact on your overall body temperature.  Always wear a hat when you’re out in the sun.  And if you’re going to be in the sun for more than a minute or so, always wear sunscreen. 

10. Try cooling clothing

There are a number of manufacturers now making the cooling vests, hats, etc.  Last summer my husband even came home with some cooling bandanas.  They have some form of gel crystals in them that retain cold when wet.  You just run it under cold water and tie it around your head.  As long as it stays wet, it stays cool – Neat!

The bottom line is this… Do whatever you can to make the summer season more enjoyable.  God knows we all find it tough to endure the long winters.  Here’s to your summer fun! 

Be sure to check out www.invisibleillness.com to connect with others living with chronic illness and enjoy the many opportunities to get the most of Invisible Illness Week from September 8th to the 14th!  I think it’s important to be involved in Invisible Illness Week because all of us need to know that we’re not alone.  Together, we make raise awareness to break down barriers and foster an attitude of accommodation in our communities.

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She teaches people living with chronic illness or disability how to find passion in their lives and maximize their quality of life while they optimize the state of their health.  She also teaches entrepreneurs who have health challenges how to honour and accommodate their health while driving their business to astounding levels of sustainable success.  If you’re ready to learn how to maximize your quality of life, be happier and have more energy while honouring and accommodating YOUR health, visit Trish on the web today.  Be sure to download a free copy of her 30-minute motivational audio at www.ChangingPaces.com