Beat the heat - Tips on staying cool

Rachel_Scope
Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,221 Online Community Team
edited June 20 in Coffee lounge

With the UK about to go through a heatwave, I thought it would be good if we could share some tips on how we all stay cool.

Here are some tips on how to handle the heat effectively:

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  • Trap the Cool Air: Keep windows, curtains, and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day. Only open them in the early morning or late evening when the outside air temperature drops.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit alcohol and heavy caffeine, as both accelerate dehydration.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear loose, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.

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  • Eat light: Opt for lighter meals with high water content, like salads and fruit, so your body doesn't generate extra heat during digestion.
  • Cool Down: If you feel overheated, take a lukewarm shower or place a damp, cool cloth on your neck and wrists to quickly lower your core temperature.

Does anyone have any gadgets they use to keep cool or any more advice?

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Comments

  • Hopeless
    Hopeless Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 1,034 Pioneering

    I freeze old plastic bottles of water and put them in old socks to hold and put in my bed. Picnic blocks would also work and some microwaveable soft toys (like Warmies) can be put in the freezer for a cool cuddle

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,221 Online Community Team

    That's such a good idea @Hopeless! I would never have thought of that. I'll have to try it this week, thanks 😊

  • egiste2r
    egiste2r Posts: 161 Connected

    I'm putting up a reflective Mylar film on the south side of the house. Some people might not like it, but my health is more important.
    I also recommend covering cars parked for long periods with reflective Mylar film, especially if they aren't painted white and there's no way to place them in the shade.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,221 Online Community Team

    Do you put in on the walls @egiste2r or just the windows? That's a good idea about the cars. I've seen some people use flattened cardboard boxes. I wonder how effective that is.

  • egiste2r
    egiste2r Posts: 161 Connected

    Both to walls and windows. Boxes can be used to prevent the film from sticking to the car body.

  • yellowpineapple84
    yellowpineapple84 Scope Member Posts: 299 Empowering

    This is great thank-you for sharing :)

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 8,926 Online Community Team

    I use a hot water bottle but filled with cool water from the fridge and sometimes ice cubes. Nice to hold onto as you're going to sleep. Stay cool everyone 😎

  • Starman
    Starman Community Member Posts: 2,054 Empowering

    One thing that works a little is, if you have a fans, put a bowl of ice cubes in water in front of the fan, and it makes it work better like air con, but sadly not quite as good! I'm lucky where i live, it's only supposed to be mid 20's, but i really feel for people who have to put up with the mid to high 30's they are on about. 😯

  • Starman
    Starman Community Member Posts: 2,054 Empowering

    One thing that helps a little is, put a bowl of ice cubes in water in front of any fans, and put them behind an open window. It works a bit like air con, but sadly not as good! I feel for anyone in an area where it's supposed to get into the mid to high 30's…..😯

  • Stellar
    Stellar Community Member Posts: 538 Trailblazing

    Buy fans and ice cubes now, before the masses realise we're in a heatwave.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 5,186 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    My dog refuses to go on his cooling mat so I've been putting it on my lower body instead and it actually really helpsπŸ˜…

  • egiste2r
    egiste2r Posts: 161 Connected
  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 6,038 Championing

    We are looking at 40 degrees this week in London with an overnight high of 30!

  • ChrisR777
    ChrisR777 Community Member Posts: 1,408 Trailblazing
  • Amberpearl
    Amberpearl Community Member Posts: 4,118 Championing

    I have a fan

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Community Member Posts: 4,807 Championing

    How do your cats cope in the heat? @Amberpearl Sam (my cat) goes in the garden under a bush, pops out every so often then goes back..

  • ChrisR777
    ChrisR777 Community Member Posts: 1,408 Trailblazing

    Gus is lying out on the grass, it's a respectable 22C atm. He comes in to lie by the front door if he gets too hot.

  • Holly_Scope
    Holly_Scope Posts: 6,351 Online Community Team

    Aww that's so cute of Sam! Does he ever roll around and sunbathe?πŸ€— I'm looking after my neighbours cats and Bella was doing that first thing.

    My neighbour has a lovely shed which is quite spacious so I leave the shed open for them on hot days with a bowl of water. Luckily, with it being next door I can also pop and let them in/out fairly regularly too. Having the blinds closed inside helps keep their little relaxing areas cool as well.

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Community Member Posts: 4,807 Championing

    He does roll around and sunbathe. He has water in the kitchen and I have been putting a bowl of water in the garden for him @Holly_Scope

  • Holly_Scope
    Holly_Scope Posts: 6,351 Online Community Team
    edited June 24

    It's super cute to watch isn't it @Bluebell21. 😊 Here's a picture I took this morning of Lily, the other cat.

    A picture of a grey cat rolling and sunbathing