As temperatures soar during San Antonio summers, it’s difficult to stay cool, particularly if you’re overweight. The hot weather can make you want to curtail outdoor activities and stay inside all day. Instead, learn how you can enjoy the outdoors with these 8 ways to stay cool in the heat.
Cool off at a water park
You’ll need to reapply sunscreen frequently and take breaks in the shade, but cooling off at a water park is a fun, active way to stay comfortable. San Antonio has several to choose from, including Splashtown and Six Flags’ water park.
Hit the pool
Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise that can help you cool off. Even if you don’t have your own backyard or community pool, San Antonio has many outdoor public pools. They’re located throughout the community and are open for the summer season from June 10 to August 13.
Seek the shade
Although it’s still hot in the shade, it’s cooler than being out in the sun. Take a stroll through a shady area in the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Friedrich Wildness Park or another spot with a lot of mature foliage to protect you from the sun’s heat and rays.
Pick your times
Limit outdoor activities around midday.Instead, get outside early in the morning or in the evening – which gets easier in the summer since it doesn’t get dark until later. If you’re walking or pursuing another form of outdoor exercise or activity, start slowly and gradually pick up your pace, and if it’s hot, don’t exercise as hard. You’ll also need to take more frequent rest breaks.
Drink plenty of water
When the weather heats up, you’ll need to increase the amount of water you drink. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, especially if you’re outside in the heat. Instead, make sure to drink water before, during, and after your time outside. Heat-related illness is a serious danger, and drinking water will keep you cooler and well hydrated. Regularly drinking water assists your body in better regulating its core temperature.
Wear the right clothing
Dress appropriately for the weather. Loose, breathable, lightweight and light-colored clothing will help keep you as cool as possible. Clothing made from cotton generally breathes better than synthetic fabrics, and you’ll also want to wear a hat for further protection from the sun.
Don’t wipe your sweat away
When it’s allowed to evaporate, sweat can cool your body. If you sweat while you’re outside, you may be tempted to wipe it off, but it’s best to let it evaporate on its own. You can jump-start the process by giving yourself a quick mist of water from a spray bottle before heading outside.
Know your body’s best cooling points
If you can’t easily get out of the heat, try applying a paper towel soaked in cold water or a cold water bottle to your body’s best cooling points – your wrists and neck.Applying something cold to these areas will help you feel cool more quickly.
Take your time and try out each of these ways to stay cool in the heat. To learn more about the benefits of being outdoors and enjoying the sunshine, check out our Vitamin D blog!