While I’ve been reveling in the intense heat and humidity this summer, everyone else around me has been dying (or so it would seem). I realize my comfort zone for hot weather is much different than most, and that most of you are struggling this time of year. That’s why I’d like to dedicate an issue to staying cool.
Feeling cool is primarily a function of keeping core body temperature low. If your core temperature is low enough, you’ll feel cold even on a sweltering day. We know this from experience, though most of us don’t remember unless it’s pointed out. Just think back: if you’ve been swimming in a cold lake, the first few minutes in the sun are notable for not feeling hot.
So if you can keep our core temperature down, you can beat the heat. There are a few ways to do this.
First, you need to reduce body activity of all kinds. Each muscle movement creates heat energy that must be dissipated from the body. Walking and standing, for instance, warms you up. Much more drastic are heavy workload activities such as running, dancing, lifting, shoveling, and such. Even heavy breathing counts, whether it’s from yoga or from being obese or a smoker. The less you move your body, the less heat you produce. Any movement that can be eliminated will help.
Second, you will cool more effectively in dry, shaded areas. If it’s dry, your sweating mechanism is more effective in getting rid of heat energy. And in the shade, absorbing new heat from direct sunlight is avoided.
Third, a slight breeze makes a big difference. It doesn’t take a blasting fan scattering paperwork everywhere, just a small, steady breeze is enough to help evaporate the sweat away. However, avoid fanning yourself: the heat produced in your body by working your arm and wrist is greater than the heat dissipated by the breeze.
OK, you are probably familiar with these. How about the less obvious steps?
Fourth, stick to room-temperature foods and drinks. The effect of hot food and drinks is obvious; cold items is less so. Putting cold food in your body causes a sudden drop in temperature, which is countered by internal shivering. The net result: more heat.
Fifth, avoid sugars and fats. Sugar and fat (any carbohydrates, really, but especially these) increase your metabolism, which translates into core temperature increases. They are a great way to feel warm in the winter, and a great way to overheat in the summer. Ice cream feels good in the moment, but it fails both the ‘cold food’ and ’sugar and fat’ test.
Sixth, lose weight and get in shape. Keep your cardiovascular system fit. This may not work for tomorrow or next week, but in the long run you are more readily able to maintain and regulate body temperature effectively when your body is healthy, slim, and fit.
Last, but certainly not least, be one with the weather. You can’t fight the heat completely. Instead, choose to accept it or ignore it. Put your attention on something else, and you’ll instantly feel better.
Have fun this summer!
Other news
- Automatic promotion to middle-management? More than a headache: Surviving a hole in the head
- Especially if you have a hole in your head: ER Visit Leaves Many Confused
- Not so stress-reducing for the mother, though: Breast-Feeding: The Stress Buster That Lasts for Years
Quote for the week
Anxiety is love’s greatest killer. It makes others feel as you might when a drowning man holds on to you. You want to save him, but you know he will strangle you with his panic. – Anais Nin
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
