Fighting the heat in the warmer months can be exhausting, especially for active men who are outdoors a lot. If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical climate then you are probably very familiar with the dangers of the heat and its intensity. So, before your next heat wave rolls in, here are some ideas, [...]
Fighting the heat in the warmer months can be exhausting, especially for active men who are outdoors a lot. If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical climate then you are probably very familiar with the dangers of the heat and its intensity.
So, before your next heat wave rolls in, here are some ideas, tips, and tricks to keep cooler during those summer months.
Clothing
Wearing the right kind of clothing is important, so here are some things to take into consideration as you dress for the heat.
1. Wear temperature-regulating shirts and underwear
The latest fabric innovations can help keep you cooler and reduce moisture. One such innovation is known as RealCool Cotton™, and it’s used by a number of designers and clothing manufactures, including high-end brands, like Calvin Klein.
2. Wear cotton or linen clothes
If you can’t get your hands clothing made from temperature-regulating fabrics, then regular cotton or linen will work well too, as both breath very easy. However, stay away from thick fabric cuts–go for thin and light.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothes
A muscle shirt might make you hot on a couple different levels at first, but once you become soaked in sweat, you’ll just a be a hot mess. Always go for loose-fitting clothes as they will let your skin breath better.
4. Wear light colors
Light-colored clothing will reflect the light better. The more light you reflect means the less heat your clothing will absorb and the cooler you will be. Stay away from black at all costs, it absorbs light at all frequencies!
5. Wear shorts
You’ll stay cooler by wearing less. Shorts are made of about half as much fabric as a pair of paints. Some guys won’t wear shorts because of insecurities about their legs. Shorts for men tend to be much longer than women’s, so get over it, they don’t even come close to daisy dukes.
6. Wear sandals and open-toe shoes
Sandals and other open-toe shoes will let your feet breath easy when it’s warm.
7. Wear a visors instead of a hat or cap
Unless you are bald, I would recommend you wear a visor over a hat or cap. A visor will allow your head to breather, whereas a hat or cap is going to trap heat. If you do prefer a hat or cap, make sure it’s ventilated.
Hair
How you wear your hair can make all the difference in how you feel when it’s hot outside.
8. Sport a short hair style
Short hair styles are going to be easier and cooler to wear in the hot weather, especially if you have dark hair. Dark hair, just like dark clothing, absorbs heat from the light, so keep it to a minimum.
9. Keep your facial hair short
If you are going to wear a beard, then wear it in the winter when it’s warm. It’s just too hot for the summer, and quite honestly, any man wearing thick facial hair in the heat looks gross. It’s not a kissable face.
10. Think about trimming that body hair
Thick, dark-colored body that’s exposed on your arms, legs, and chest can make you warmer if you are out in the sun a lot. You may want to consider trimming the hair down or even, dare I say, maybe even some waxing. However, body hair does also create some ventilation between your skin and your clothing, so you’ll need to way your options.
11. Use lighter hair styling products
Lighter, water-based styling products or even a light oil (like jojoba oil) are much more comfortable to wear in your hair in the warmer months. Gels, waxes, pomades and the like will make your hair heavy. Crispy hair is not a hot look in the heat.
12. Pull out your shades and sunglasses
Dry, hot eyes tend to sting as you sweat, so make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses. Use sunglasses that will provide you UV protection as well.
13. Wear thin sports socks
If you are going to wear shoes, and the type shoes that normally would require socks, try a pair of short, thin sport socks to keep your feet and lower legs cool.
Gear & Accessories
There are all sorts of products on the market to help cool your body.
14. Get a portable, hand-held fans
I always thought people who use portable fans look dorky, but you know, the people who use them stay cooler, so there’s no reason to rule it out as an option.
15. Use a water mister or spray bottle
Spraying your face with a light water mist over the day can be refreshing. You can buy a portable water mister or just just fill-up a small spray bottle for some instant cooling.
16. Get dashboard sun shade
Stepping into a hot car can work up a quick sweat. Purchase a dashboard sun shade to keep your car cool while your away from your vehicle.
17. Wear a portable water system
There are portable water packs (Camelbak Slingshot) you can buy to strap across your shoulder that make water-carrying hassle-free.
18. Wear sweatbands
While not entirely fashionable, sweatbands can help keep you cooler, plus prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes. Sweatbands are a relatively simply product, however they too, have come a long way over the years utilizing some of the latest fabric and product innovations.
19. Hold an umbrella
When there is no shade, create your own. Now, your friends might call you Michael Jackson, but you’ll be cooler (no pun) when you stand out of direct light. You’re more likely to get away with sporting an umbrella at the beach than in the city.
Skin Care Products
There are a couple things you do for your skin too when your out in the heat.
20. Apply sunscreen
Often overlooked, sun screen can actually keep you cooler by blocking the rays of the sun. If you are out in the sun a lot, you need a heavy sunscreen, like SPF 50 or SPF 100. If your face gets minimum exposure to the sun, then go for SPF 15 or SPF 30.
21. Apply after-sun cooling cream or gel
If you are battling an existing sunburn, then you are probably already aware that once the skin begins to burn after exposure it also gets warmer as the body rushes blood to the skin to heal the burn. Wearing an after-sun cooling cream or gel feels great on a burn and will definitely cool your skin.
Lifestyle
22. Consume water continuously
Hydration is essential during the warmer months to keep your body function properly. When you don’t consume enough water, your body temperature will rise dramatically as your heart is beating faster to keep your body functioning.
23. Check your prescriptions
Some prescriptions can raise your body temperature, heart beat, or blood pressure. If you don’t absolutely need these medications, you may want to talk to your doctor about a medicinal hiatus during the warmer months.
24. Watch your weight
If your fat or overweight, your body is having to work much, much harder to maintain normal functions. Drop a few pounds and not only will you feel cooler, but you’ll feel better.
25. Eat light and frequently
Eating a big, heavy meal full of protein will certainly crank up the metabolism furnace. Try light and frequent meals as an alternative, along with fruits and vegetables high in water content.
26. Change the hours or location you exercise
If you exercise outdoors during the day, then you may want to considering exercising in the early morning or late evening. Or, even better, at a gym where its air-conditioned.
27. Leave the stuff you don’t need at home
There’s nothing more annoying and frustrating than carrying a bunch of stuff around when you’re outside and it’s hot. The exertion and hassle alone will frustrate you, raise your blood pressure, and make you hotter.
Instant Cool-Off
When you are at the brink of heat exhaustion, consider these options…
28. Drink frozen bottle water
Freeze bottles of water to carry with you during the day. They stay cold for a good while as the ice melts slowly.
29. Splash some water on you
If you need immediate relief pour water over your head or in your cap to cool your head. The water will absorb all the heat right away.
30. Cool your pulse points
Rubbing a piece of ice or cold cloth over your pulse points like your temples and wrists can provide an immediate cooling sensation to the body.
31. Take several cool showers or baths
There’s no rule that says you have to bathe just once or twice a day. In the warmer months, take several cool showers or baths during the day to lower your body temparture.
32. Use instant cold packs
An instant cold pack can come in handy during those heat waves as it doesn’t require any refrigeration or freezing. The ammonium nitrate and water inside the pack will become cool as they mix together from squeezing the pack.
33. Jump in a pool or lake
If you have access to a pool or lake, a quick jump in the water can be very refreshing.
34. Follow the shade
I’m always amazed by the number of people who walk or stand directly in the light of the sun when outside when shade is nearby. Stand in and follow the shade as you walk, and you will sweat much, much less.
Photo by: andronicusmax
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