Hacks to Help You Keep Cool in the Desert Heat!

So, summer is nearly at its end but that doesn’t mean the heat has let up. A lot of us are staying inside and keeping cool in the air conditioning or enjoying a cool drink under misters and shade at our favorite café.

However, some of us just really need to get out into the elements, even when the heat won’t break. Whether it’s hiking, biking, team sports, or a night or two under the stars- here are a few hacks to keep you cool even when the temperatures are high.

Insulate Your Drinks

When it’s hot outside, one thing is for sure! You have to stay hydrated. Most people need several hours to drink enough fluids to replace what they have lost through sweat. The sooner you get started, the less strain you place on your body from dehydration. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke is common when the desert summer temperature strike but when you drink ice water before, during, and after a workout it can delay or reduce the rise in your body temperature, providing a refreshing feeling in the process.

Invest in a good, insulated thermos that can make sure you have cool refreshing drinks at hand even as you venture out into the great outdoors. Some mug-insulated drinking containers can keep your drinks cool for 3 to 6 days, depending on how cold your drink was when you started.

Try a Cold Neck

Have you heard of a cold neck? Well, if you love being outside, then this might be a good investment. Like a scarf, it wraps around your neck but instead of keeping your neck warm, it uses a special fabric that slows the evaporation rate when they’re wet. This is incredibly cooling due to the blood vessels around the nape of the neck are close to the surface of the skin, helping the body to feel cooler faster. Other effective spots like the nape of the neck include the temple area in front of the ear, inner thighs, wrists, elbows, knees, feet, and inner ankles.

Wear Loose Fitting and Light-Colored Clothing

We’ve seen it before. It’s hard for some people to avoid wearing black. While it may make you feel cool, style-wise, and temperature wise, darker colors absorb more solar heat! When you go out on a hike or another outdoor activity, make sure to wear light loose-fitting clothing to reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat and allow the breeze to flow through your clothes, keeping you cool.

Use Peppermint Oil

We all love candy canes during the holiday season, but peppermint has more uses than that. When out camping and hiking peppermint essential oil naturally will keep bugs away, eases muscle soreness, and creates a natural cooling sensation. The same refreshing feeling you get from inhaling peppermint also pertains to the skin, giving you a feeling of coolness. Put a few drops on your neck when it’s wet to aid in a cooling effect.

Stay in the Shade

Whether you are at home or you are out in the world it’s always cooler in the shade. When you are back home after your outdoor adventures, enjoy the cool shade in the convenience of your backyard at home! Sunscreens and patio shades can create shade while also blocking 90% of harmful UV rays. To find out more, contact us for a consolation today!