Eight hot weather hacks to beat the heat
Nothing gets Britons flustered quite like a spot of hot weather. More accustomed to grey skies than stifling Mediterranean temperatures, we fumble our way through the annual sunny spell, developing first-degree burns, sweat patches and interesting tan lines as we go.
Usually, this humidity is a yearly occurrence – twice, if we're lucky. But in keeping with the spirit of 2021, another spell of hot weather is here. The Met Office has said that temperatures will flirt with the mid twenties - so while we won't be treated to a heatwave anytime soon (officially, three days of temperatures over 25C are required), it will be a welcome change from the cloud and rain we've been treated to so far this 'summer'.
For many of us – namely, the smug staycation set who have once again managed to coordinate their holiday plans with the warmer weather – it's a cause for celebration. "Who needs foreign holidays when we have such beautiful destinations here!" they cry, while frolicking on the Dorset coastline.
Whatever your plans, an appetite for clever ways to stay cool (even in oven-grade heat, that rickety old fan might just not cut it anymore)...
1. Get muddy
This may sound far-fetched, but a roll in the mud has allowed our porcine friends to keep cool since the dawn of time. And now we humans are wising up; even Prince William was pictured covered in mud during a holiday on the Balearic Islands in 2006.
Alongside their healing properties, mud baths cool the body down by allowing water to evaporate from the skin, carrying the heat with it.
If that sounds a little too extreme for you, try a cooling mud mask, such as this Yes to Cucumbers Mask, available from Superdrug for 99p.
2. Wear an ice vest
OK, it may not be the most stylish option, but donning an ice vest is a great way to fight off the heat. The vests have multiple panels that house refreezable ice packs, and are designed to be worn over your clothes. Opt for a bright coloured vest to avoid being mistaken for a stunt double in the latest James Bond.
Available to buy from Amazon for £15.54
3. Eat spicy food
Although the idea of eating a korma in crippling heat sounds counterintuitive – and a little unpleasant – it's no coincidence that some of the world's hottest places have the spiciest food.
Chowing down on spicy food increases your body’s temperature, causing you to sweat. As the sweat evaporates, it helps to cool the skin – although experts say that the effect will only be small.
4. Hook a frozen towel around your neck
This is a proven method to keep cool in extreme temperatures. Soak a towel in water and place it in the freezer in a ‘U’ shape. Once it’s frozen, it will fit evenly around your neck and distribute a cooling sensation to the rest of your body. Freezing your sheets ten minutes before bed also works a treat.
5. Try Yoga breathing
Despite its sweaty reputation, Yoga has several cooling breathing techniques that can help lower your body heat, and ease stress. If you're feeling the heat, try this simple exercise known as the Sitali Breath.
Breathe in through your rolled tongue (or, if you’re not genetically able to, purse the lips) and exhale through the nose.
Breathing through the mouth should allow your saliva to cool the air you breathe before it enters your lungs. Repeat as needed.
6. Hang a wet bedsheet at your open window
On an extremely hot day, even a gentle breeze drifting through the window can feel stifling. This method is tried and tested by people who grew up without any air conditioning. Hang a wet towel or bed sheet – preferably light coloured – in front of an open window. The water evaporates off the towel to cool any breeze coming through.
7. Turn your hot water bottle into an ice pack
There’s not much that a hot water bottle can’t solve – even in high temperatures. Just fill the bottle with water as normal, and leave it in the freezer for a few hours. Place it in your bed, and prepare to sink into blissfully cool sheets.
8. Splay out on the floor like a starfish
Hot air rises, so if you’re in need of a quick cool down it’s best to lie low. While the floor might not be the most glamorous resting spot – and you may have to jostle for space with the family dog – it can help you to escape the warm air currents. For a comfortable night’s sleep, try moving your mattress on to the floor, too.
For a bit of extra help, check out our guides on the best fans and best air cons to get you through the hot weather.
