How to Beat the Summer Heat
The Philippines is a tropical country with only two seasons (the wet and the dry season), although some may agree that with the humidity and high temperature., every day feels like it’s summer.
In Metro Manila, endless sweating and shortness of breath due to the heat are normal… until the arrival of March, April, and May. This is when temperatures skyrocket, and people start to lose their cool (not angry, though). In order to keep you cool and fresh this summer, we have listed down some tips on how to beat the summer heat.
Stay Hydrated
An adult human being is composed of 60% water. This means in order to be healthy, we should be drinking water as often as we can; which is why it is no joke when doctors say it is essential for us to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
During the Summer, children and adults tend to forget to drink water, making them weak and dehydrated. Always bring a water bottle or a container with you wherever you go to, and don’t forget to fill it up with cold water. For those who are always looking for flavored drinks, you can level up your water by adding fresh fruits and herbs.
Wear light-colored clothes
Yes, we know that dark clothes give us the illusion that we’ve lost some weight but during the summer, wearing dark clothes such as black shirts is a no-no. Stick to light-colored clothes as they reflect light from the sun whereas dark clothes tend to absorb it.
Cotton and linen are ideal conductors of heat, making these the best materials to wear during a scorching hot summer day. For even more ventilation, you can go for loosely-woven clothes for more air flow. This is also the perfect time to flaunt your legs and arms to avoid more sweat in some areas.
Never forget sunscreen and sunblock
Aside from sunburns and rashes, the sun transmits UVB and UVA rays that are harmful to our skin. Other than making it dark, it also makes our skin wrinkle faster and gives us certain blemishes. These are just some of the reasons why you shouldn’t forget to rub on some sunscreen and sunblock before leaving the house.
Sunblocks are created to shield UVB rays while sunscreens protect against UVA. The common mistake that some people do is not wearing sunscreen and sunblock every day. When choosing the right products, make sure to find a sunscreen or sunblock that has a high SPF, preferably SPF 50 and above.
Avoid going outside if unnecessary
If you really want to stay cool and fresh, staying indoors is also an option. Did you know that staying indoors is a way to reduce waste in the world? (Good for you for saving the environment). But if staying at home is not an option, then find a place with lots of shade. If all else fails, a personal umbrella, a pair of sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are your saviors.
Luckily, there are a lot of establishments and convenience stores in Metro Manila that has airconditioning. You can either stay at a mall to cool off before braving yourself to face the heat outside.
