Many of us love, appreciate, and want to take advantage of all that summer has to offer, but sometimes the one thing stopping us from enjoying the season is oppressive heat. Scorching hot days are inevitably going to happen, but there are tons of ways to stay comfortable both outdoors and indoors when the ridiculously high temperatures hit.

Outdoors

Too much fun in the sun can indeed lead to health issues like heat stroke and dehydration, but if you play it smart you can enjoy being outside even on the hottest summer days.

Keep hydrated: Dehydration can cause health problems, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and puts additional stress on the body, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and a reduced ability to cool itself down. If you are extremely active on hot days, consider adding hydration packs to your outdoor activities.  They’re a convenient way to carry water and stay hydrated when exercising, working outside, or simply hanging out.

Use cooling tools: When it comes to staying cool, a mister is an indispensable tool. The mist it produces cools the body and provides a refreshing blast of water whenever you’re feeling hot. To keep the water from getting warm, put some ice in it, or better yet, plan ahead and put the bottle in the freezer for an hour before you head out. The slush will melt and keep the mist cooler longer. Cooling towels are also great for providing instant relief as they continue to cool as the water evaporates.

Avoid full sun: Try staying out of the sun as much as possible or alternate your activities by heading indoors to an air-conditioned building to stay cool from time to time. That way, you don’t have to give up all your outdoor fun without overheating. You can also plan to go places that have enough shade so that you aren’t constantly in direct sunlight.

Get wet: Take advantage of opportunities to keep cool in various community locations like public pools, splash pads, and beaches. Spending time in the water cools down your entire body and it feels oh so good!

Indoors

If you have air conditioning then staying cool in your home is quite easy. If you don’t however, you want to make every effort to stay comfortable while you wait out the heat wave. These tips will definitely help.

Close your blinds and curtains: Blocking the sun from shining in the house can keep the temperature indoors much lower. Heat rises so pay specific attention to upstairs rooms. Especially the bedrooms as you want to be comfortable when you sleep.

Wear the right clothing. Light and breathable fabrics are the way to go when the temps hit record highs. Your skin needs to be able to sweat and then dry quickly to keep your internal cooling system at its best. This includes bedtime. Wear light summertime pajamas or even better a nightshirt that is loose fitting and non-restricting.

Eat the right foods. Hot days are not the right times to eat heavy meals of foods loaded with fat and sugar. Instead, eat hydrating meals with plenty of vegetables (that are loaded with water) and fruits. Include lean proteins as well to keep up your energy levels.

Don’t forget the pets. Animals can suffer from heat stroke and exhaustion as well so make sure your furry friends have access to plenty of water and shade.  Don’t take them along in the car when the temperatures are skyrocketing. It only takes minutes in a hot vehicle for them to become ill.

Remember that it IS summer and in no time many will be complaining about the cold and snow. Embrace the season, enjoy all that summer has to offer, just be careful not to overdo it.