MY FAVORITE TIPS TO STAY COOL WHILE WALKING IN THE SUMMER HEAT!
Whether you enjoy summer or not, it gets hot for at least a part of the year in most places on earth. But there is no reason to skip your daily walk or hike! The key is to do your best to keep your body cool, your motivation up, and your mind relaxed.
I want to share some of my favorite techniques to stay cool on a hot summer walk. There are all sorts of new gadgets and thingamajigs out there, such as neck fans or cooling wraps, that use the latest technology to simulate “coolness.” However, here are some straightforward, low-cost tips that will keep you feeling and looking just as cool. 😎
WEAR A HAT:
Covering your entire head with a hat may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your face, ears, and neck out of the direct sun will keep you cooler overall and will also protect your skin from UV damage. Especially if you take long walks like me! I like quick-drying nylon hats that are easily washed and weigh hardly anything. A wide-brimmed hat is better than a baseball cap for keeping your ears and neck covered.
Also, wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays, especially in places where you walk on light-colored concrete, sand, or snow.
GOT SWEAT? DON’T FRET:
I always carry a bandana with me in my pocket, no matter the weather. Its technical uses change from season to season, but its usefulness never diminishes. I regularly wipe the sweat off my brow, chin, back of my neck, and even my arms in hot weather. The more sweat you can wipe away, the cooler you will feel. It is a simple remedy that actually works, especially if there is a slight breeze.
HEY, GUESS WHAT! SKIRTS ARE COOL. LITERALLY:
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that won’t stick to your skin. I like to wear skirts when I walk. I find that a skirt feels much cooler to wear, whether on a forest trail or a concrete sidewalk. The repetitive swishing of the material moves the air around your legs and, as a bonus, will also help keep mosquitos at bay. Although “hiking skirts” are relatively new in the outdoor gear world, almost any lightweight skirt will work for a walk. And guys, don’t feel left out. The first official “outdoor skirt” was actually a kilt made for men, with no women’s equivalent back then! Skirts! Not just for women!! Hehe.
BE A “SHADY GAL” …OR GUY:
All that being said, choosing shady places is your best bet for staying cool in the warmer months. Paths and trails in tree-covered areas are decidedly cooler than exposed, sunny sidewalks in urban neighborhoods and totally worth the time to find them. However, you’ll probably find me playfully crisscrossing the road repeatedly, walking from one “shady spot” to another when I am in the city!
START EARLY:
Or… you can make an effort to literally “beat the heat” by rising before the sun to get a head start on your walk. This one is a no-brainer, but heat builds quickly in the morning as the sun rises. Try to avoid the peak times of 11am-2pm. You may be surprised how pleasant early morning can be, even in the concrete jungle. If you are lucky enough to be able to get out into nature for your morning walk, you have a much higher possibility of viewing wildlife early in the morning, as well.
*DRINK A LOT OF WATER:
Even if you don’t bring water with you on your daily morning walk, staying hydrated is essential for your body’s health and comfort. Drinking plenty of water before and after your walk will help you feel better and have a lot more energy. Any kind of exercise in high heat can quickly exacerbate dehydration. So, drink up! Even if you don’t feel very thirsty.
MY WEIRDEST STAY COOL TIP:
You might laugh at this, but I think it works! I bring along a honey lemon throat lozenge or two. Because they are kind of “spicy,” it honestly makes my brain think it’s helping me stay cooler. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Of course, having water is the best bet to stay hydrated, but this will satisfy me until I get back and have a long, cool drink of water!
DO YOU KNOW WHAT A HEATSTROKE IS?
Staying cool isn’t just for comfort; it is critical for optimal health in extreme heat. When your body cannot regulate your temperature and approaches 104 degrees or more, there is a possibility of having a heat stroke (also called sunstroke). This is a serious medical emergency and can kill you or cause significant damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs. Besides extreme body temperature, some of the symptoms are a racing heart, headache, confusion, rapid/shallow breathing, nausea, dry/clammy skin, and altered mental status. If you suspect heatstroke, get out of the heat immediately, drink plenty of fluids, and seek medical attention immediately. Time is of the essence.
*Please know I am not recommending that you go for a considerable walk or hike without carrying water! If you are traveling into the backcountry or on a walk longer than a few miles, please bring the essentials with you for comfort and safety. Here is my free guide to what you need: The Official WildWood Magic Day-Hiking Essentials & What to Wear List:
Everything You Need to Have On You & With You To Be Safe And Totally Prepared For A Walk In The Woods! (https://bit.ly/3e3Zhvv)
Enjoy the summer! Stay cool and keep walking, my friends!
xoxCollin
