How to Handle Summer Stress and Live Your Best Life

Ahhh, it’s summertime … and the livin’ is easy, right? Well, as much as we might love the season, summertime heat can put a damper on our quality of life if we’re not careful. In fact, individuals who reside in regions that feature sweltering temps in the summer are more vulnerable to associated health risks. Read on to learn how to handle summer stress and live your best life.

Understanding the Health Risks of Summertime Heat

Remember how resourceful we were as kids at managing our summertime comfort levels? Whether it was running through the sprinklers, enjoying a neighbor’s pool, engaging in a water balloon fight, splashing through waves at the beach, or finding a local swimming hole, we instinctively knew how to seek relief from the searing summer heat.

As adults, we learn to be proactive and practical when dealing with high temps. If a scorcher is in the forecast, knowledge of the possible dangers of a high heat index guides us to restrict or modify our daily activities. If excessive humidity is added to the mix, the very real possibility of hyperthermia (overheating) may even result in a medical emergency.

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So, let’s arm ourselves with knowledge about the main health risks associated with temperatures over 90 degrees:

• Heat Exhaustion. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, irritability, sweating, muscle weakness, high body temperature.

• Heat Stroke. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, slurred speech, delirium, seizures.

• Severe Sunburn. Symptoms include red skin, fluid-filled blisters, skin warm to the touch, tenderness or pain, peeling, flu-like symptoms.

• Symptoms include dry mouth, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, muscle spasms, dark urine.

7 Tips for Managing Summer Stress

Fortunately, we have a multitude of actions we can take to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of excessive summer heat. By checking your weather app each morning, you can plan the proactive steps that will greatly reduce any health risks while greatly improving your summertime joy.

Here are 7 practical tips to help you handle that summer sizzle like a pro:

1. Keep your a/c unit in tiptop shape with an annual maintenance checkup. A nice, cool home becomes a refuge providing instant relief from the summer heat. Keeping the air conditioner set at 74-76 degrees helps maintain consistent daily comfort and a good night’s sleep.

2. Run your errands in the morning. If you know you have to be out and about, try to plan your errands during the coolest times of the day. Check your weather app to determine the most comfortable times to be out shopping and running errands.

3. Schedule your outdoor activities for early morning or early evening. If you are an active person and routinely enjoy the great outdoors, it’s important to plan these activities according to the forecast. Avoid the mid-day hours if possible, as that’s when humidity and temperatures are at their peak.

4. Listen to your body and take an afternoon siesta if the heat is wearing you out. When you feel fatigued, overheated, or dizzy, it’s time to go indoors, hydrate, and take a little rest. A short nap can reboot your energy levels and supercharge the balance of the day.

5. Stay hydrated by consuming at least 64 ounces of water per day. Water is your best friend during the hot summer months, so make sure not to skimp. Staying hydrated allows your body to replenish electrolytes so it can respond to the demands of high temps.

6. Limit sun exposure to avoid sunburn and skin cancers. Enjoying the sunshine is one of the best features of summer, but only if you use caution. Avoid sunning yourself between 10:00-2:00 when UV exposure is at its peak. When out in the sun, be sure to wear a hat and to use the appropriate sunscreen for your skin type.

7. Know the effects of high temps on your health. If you have a chronic health condition, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, or a neurological disorder, you may be particularly sensitive to excessive heat. Be alert to the signs of acute heat stress and get treatment if needed.

The sunny days of summer are great for boosting positivity and overall wellbeing. Whether it’s relaxing on the porch with a good book, attending a pool party, or joining friends for a picnic at the park, summertime is simply amazing. To make the most of your summer this year, take these proactive steps to beat the heat safely … and enjoy yourself.