11 Self-Care Ideas to Beat the Heat This Summer

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Summer is in full swing, and everyone’s looking for ways to beat the heat. While basking in the sun is a beautiful experience, extreme hot weather can harm your body. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and enjoy the warm days to the fullest. Consider these ways to stay cool this season.

Why Is It Important to Care for Yourself This Summer?

Self-care is essential no matter the season. It refers to anything you do to keep your overall wellness at its peak. However, its importance is more pronounced during summer. Hot days are inevitable in this warming world. 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, and with the effects of global warming, things are not cooling down anytime soon.

Rising temperatures increase the risk of sunburn, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Excessive warmth also causes psychological issues, such as irritability, depression and trouble concentrating. 

11 Self-Care Ideas This Summer

Don’t let irritability and sweaty days bring you down. Engage in the following self-care activities to have a fun-filled summer while staying healthy and safe.

1. Wear Sun Protection

Sunlight is a double-edged sword — it can help increase vitamin D production, but too much exposure can lead to skin issues, such as sunburn, premature aging and cancer. Protect yourself with the following products:

• Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen can help prevent the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. It acts as a protective layer between the sun and your skin.

• Sunglasses: Always wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

• Wide-brimmed hat: A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, neck, and ears from the sun. It also makes a great statement piece on the beach or at parties.

2. Go to the Beach

Summer is the best time to go to the beach. It’s a refreshing place that provides a change of scenery. When you visit the beach, your senses engage in new sights, sounds, and smells, evoking feelings of calm and relaxation. Learn to surf, dip your toes in the ocean or sip your favorite summer cocktail with friends. This is the time to give yourself a break from daily life.

3. Opt for Loose and Lightweight Fabrics

Summer is all about letting go and getting loose. Wear thin, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing as you embark on new outdoor adventures. The last thing you want to experience is feeling sweaty and icky under the sun. Natural fabrics like linen, rayon, cotton and silk make great choices when dressing for sunny days. 

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is a given, no matter the season. However, the sweltering heat can make you perspire more. Dehydration can increase heart rate and body temperature, so replacing fluids as you sweat is essential. 

Spice up your hydration efforts with new, equally healthy alternatives. Eat hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber or add more vegetables to your meals. You can also infuse your water with fruits like lemon and herbs like mint to make drinking it more enjoyable.

5. Visit a Loved One

Summer is the ideal time to reconnect with others. Think of someone living alone who is far from family. Maybe you have a long-distance friend you last saw five years ago or a sibling who lives on the other side of the country. Loneliness can trigger feelings of anxiety about human interaction, so make an effort to meet your loved one and make their summer unforgettable.

6. Eat Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Eating seasonally is an act of self-care and love for the environment. It helps lessen fuel emissions from transportation. Fruits and vegetables are bursting with nutrients, and there are plenty of ways they can help you cool down this summer. For example, mix your favorite fruits in the blender, then add ice and milk to create a refreshing smoothie.

7. Do Outdoor Activities

Create a summer bucket list to finish alone or with your loved ones. Do the activities you once enjoyed as a kid — blow bubbles, play hopscotch and catch fireflies at night. Take time to chill in the park — have a picnic, watch the clouds go by, lounge under a tree or go river tubing. Find ways to make your summer memorable and enjoy it to the fullest.

8. Take a Cold Shower

A cold shower is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. It helps cool the body’s tissues, which can help boost your protection from common colds and even depression. Cold water temperatures can also prevent muscle soreness, making it a relaxing treat after working out in the heat. 

While cold showers are generally harmless, they can be an issue for some people. Consult your physician if you have been diagnosed with cold urticaria, heart disease or Raynaud’s syndrome.

9. Wear a Cooling Mask

Elevate your summer skin care routine with a cooling face mask. It provides a convenient way to relax and revitalize your skin. Most kits include a gel eye mask, face mask, eye pads and under-eye pads that you can reuse whenever you want. 

Simply freeze the sheets, apply them to your face and enjoy the soothing coldness. It’s like indulging in a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home.

10. Switch to LED Lightbulbs

Did you know that 90% of an incandescent bulb’s energy is released as heat? Consider replacing your lightbulbs with LEDs to enjoy colder temperatures indoors. Most of the energy from these alternatives is converted into light. Plus, they help reduce your bills, making them a worthwhile investment.

11. Get a Haircut

Cut your hair short if you’re feeling brave. This can be a form of self-care that helps boost your confidence and self-esteem. Shorter hair can make you look and feel cool at the same time. Go for something like an asymmetrical bob. The best thing about this cut is that you don’t have to spend much time styling your hair in the morning.

Take Care of Yourself This Summer

There are many ways to stay cool this summer besides drinking lots of water or spending time in an air-conditioned room. Enjoy summer to the fullest with these fun and functional self-care ideas.