Summer is well and truly here which means many Australians are looking for all sorts of ways to keep cool.
While some are lucky enough to have a pool in their backyard or an air-conditioner in their living room, others are forced to look for other ways to keep cool.
Thankfully, there are plenty of easy things you can do to cool yourself down and to avoid getting too hot when the temperature rises.
The last thing you want to do in the heat is increase your body temperature by wearing too many layers or clothes that are too tight.
It’s best to opt to looser garments and where possible, try to wear natural materials and fibres so you don’t sweat too much. Silk and polyester should be avoided.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to be on the move all the time, it’s best to try and limit your physical activity when the day is at its warmest. This could be timing your daily walks to early morning or later in the evening, or even reassessing when you do your house work.
Swimming in the pool or restricting activity to cool or shady areas is also ideal.
While it can be easy to keep all your electronics plugged in and switched on, you could unintentionally be making your house warmer than it needs to be.
Electronic devices such as TVs and computers use plenty of power and often become very warm.
Other items such as stoves, microwaves and even washing machines also use a lot of power and could also be making your home hotter.
While you shouldn’t completely avoid using these items, try and limit your usage or turn them on at times of the day that are the coolest.
It seems like an easy enough thing, but many people don’t stay hydrated during the summer. Instead of having a drink of water when you feel thirsty, keep your fluids up regularly throughout the day.
A good way to know if you’re getting enough fluid is to check the colour of your wee. If it’s light, you’re doing well, but if it turns a darker colour, you may want to increase your water intake.
If you’re the kind of person who loves nothing more than indulging in a hot coffee of a morning, you may want to think about trying a cooler beverage to start your day.
Because of its high levels of caffeine, you could be dehydrating yourself without even knowing it. Opt for a caffeine-free version of your favourite coffee or try a herbal or natural tea.
Some people love nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen, but it’s best to avoid doing this too much when the temperature rises.
The best thing about summer is there are plenty of fruits and salads that are full of water and flavour that act as a great substitute in the warmer months.
Switch vegetables for salads such as cucumber and tomatoes and opt for fruits such as watermelon and grapes.