Summers are here, and so are its harsh effects. With each passing day, the warning bells of the increasing temperature are ringing loudly than ever. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted that due to rapid climate changes and the evolving of El Nino, 2019 could be hottest year ever.
With predictions like this, it has become imperative that you start taking measures to protect yourself. While it is impossible to control the temperature changes, you can ensure that you take every possible step to avoid getting caught in the coming heatwave.
In this article, we have noted down seven essential tips that can help you beat the heat this summer.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Consider drinking lots of water. Staying adequately hydrated is extremely vital during summers as it ensures that your body functions normally.
With the temperatures rising, your body will start sweating excessively which might reduce the electrolytes and energy levels. You can add mineral-rich fruits like lemon, kiwi, and watermelon in your drinks to gain extra minerals.
- Don’t Skip Meals
Summers tend to reduce appetite as the heat is too much to bear. However, it is crucial that you do not skip a meal as your body will need nutrients and vitamins to keep you healthy in the heat.
Having said that, the best thing you can do is to eat light meals. Make sure your meals include summer-time veggies like cucumber, squash, onions and bottle gourd. These veggies will help your stomach to stay cool while providing you with essential vitamins.
Moreover, try to avoid heat-generating foods like eggs, chicken, meat and other proteins, also try to reduce your spice intake.
- Cold Water Showers
One of the best ways to cool your body in the summers is to take a cold-water shower. It instantly reduces the heat and makes you feel refreshed.
Also, try to wash your face and hands with cold water before going to bed. You can also use ice packs to cut down your body temperature.
- Don’t Overexert Yourself
While physical activity is crucial to achieve good health, it is also essential that you don’t over exert yourself.
During summers, when the energy levels of the body are already low, overexertion can lead to fatigue. Therefore, resort to indoor activities rather than engaging in outdoor exercises. This will help in keeping your energy levels high.
- Avoid Sun Exposure
The summer sun is extremely harsh for the skin. Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin rashes, acne breakouts, razor burns and fungal infections.
Therefore, it is better to avoid going out in the sun. But if you have to go out, apply loads of skin cream and try to cover most of your body parts.
You can also use a home-made paste of sandalwood powder along with some camphor and buttermilk, to reduce skin rashes.
- Sleep Well
If you have a routine of sleeping late at night, change it. Proper sleeping hygiene can help in reducing the fatigue that your body has collected during the day.
Refrain from taking naps during the day as it increases the chances of disturbing your sleep schedule. Likewise, avoid drinking alcohol within two hours of bed-time.
- Purchase Health Insurance
The tips stated above will surely help you in reducing the effects of summers on your body. But regardless of everything, you must also purchase a health insurance policy.
Health insurance policy acts as an additional cover for your finances in case some unfortunate circumstances arise. Moreover, when you purchase a health insurance policy, you also get benefits like free-health checkups, cashless hospitalisation facility and tax benefits under Section 80D.
Summers not only bring excessive heat with them but also happiness. It is the season of vacations, ripe mangoes and trip to hill-stations. Therefore, to protect your health this summer, take the necessary precautions and have a health insurance policy by your side to financially safeguard against medical emergencies.