How to Keep Cool in a Heatwave

After months of wishing for the summer sun to greet us, we’ve finally hit the jackpot with a full-blown heatwave. Is it the jackpot, though, as we mope around complaining that it’s too hot to even sit down and do nothing. Yet, here we are, dreading the office day as we frantically search for the most professional, but lightest outfit to wear for work while spending the next 8 hours thinking about how we can cool ourselves back down to a normal temperature. 

Get an aircon unit: 

It’s true that, for the majority of the year, an aircon unit is probably not worth the money. Saying this, however, the 2 or 3 days that we do get a bit of hot sun makes it all worthwhile. We’re not sure we’d even be able to work in the office without our aircon unit. So, if you’re currently in the office, sweating then we’d suggest making the reasonable suggestion to buy one (or at least some fans) because, frankly, it’s not the first time we’ve had this heat and it’s not going to be the last. 

Ice lollies: 

Honestly, when it’s this hot outside, it’s perfectly reasonable to forget about being fit and healthy. After all, we’re already sweating out our toxins without even having to step foot in the gym and, personally, the best way of cooling ourselves down is through endless ice lollies. If you can go without some sort of ice-treat during this heatwave – then all the power to you. 

Dressing for the weather: 

This may sound obvious, but some people are seriously wearing the full shirt, blazer and tie to work (if that’s you, we hope you’re doing well). But, if you are allowed to dress a bit more casual during this weather than we highly suggest opting for light colours over dark. Dark colours absorb a lot more heat and are less breathable, which frankly sounds horrendous in this weather.

Hydration is key: 

Not only to cool you down but to keep you safe. When it’s hot, our bodies sweat a lot and we can easily become dehydrated very quickly. So, it’s important to drink lots of water even when you don’t feel particularly parched. Eating foods with high water content can also help increase your water intake i.e. watermelon, lettuce, cucumber and melon. 

Avoid the tube:

Finally. It’s the end of the workday; you can go home and have a cold shower. But not until you have to get on the underground tube. This is probably one of the worst parts of having hot weather. The tube is packed of busy Londoners all crammed next to each other in one hot train with absolutely no breeze. If you have the option, we would highly recommend sorting out a different, cooler route. If not, good luck to you.