How to Survive This Heat

Summertime brings two things: sunshine and heat. Of course, the sunshine can be a good thing, but the heat, on the other hand, doesn’t always feel like a good thing. For many people, during the beginning of the summer and even sometimes during the duration of the summer, they experience something called summer fatigue or summer lethargy. This is when they feel tiredness and fatigue during summer days and sometimes have trouble sleeping during summer nights.

If you feel this way, then you might be experiencing summer fatigue. This is a real thing, and there is a way to snap yourself out of it. But first, it’s important to know what is causing you to feel this way. Then look at the ways you can survive the heat during this summer.

Why Are You So Tired At The Beginning Of Summer?

During the summer, the amount of time we receive sunlight is longer. Our bodies are not used to seeing the sunlight for that long. The melatonin onset is affected, making it harder for us to sleep at night. When it comes to the heat, this has its own effect. As the temperature gets higher, our bodies need to find a way to cool down fast.

As a result, it is working overtime to regulate our body temperature and keep us cool. All the effort the body puts in to make us cool makes us tired. So, if you’re tired but feel like you haven’t done much, the reality is your body has worked overtime.

Other factors to feeling tired can be the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. If you find yourself going inside and out because of work or running errands, your body is working overtime. This makes you feel more tired than you might be. In addition, you might be dehydrated or undernourished. This can also cause you to feel more fatigued.

More Symptoms of Summer Lethargy

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Tiredness

What Can You Do To Combat Summer Fatigue?

Don’t think that you have to deal with summer fatigue all summer long. There is a lot that you can do to combat it. You can even prepare your mind and body before the summer starts; this way, you won’t have summer fatigue for too long.

1. Spend More Time Outside: You might think if the sunlight and heat are what is causing the problem, then why should I spend more time outside. Your body needs to get used to the fact that it is hot and there is more sunlight. The best way for that to happen is to increase exposure. Also, note that sunlight releases the “feel good” hormone in our body called serotonin. So, don’t avoid the sunlight.
2. Exercise: You don’t necessarily need to exercise outside, but this is a great way to get rid of dizziness and headaches. Exercising gives you the energy boost you need and can help you with your day.
3. Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, you don’t know that you’re dehydrated. So, it’s best to stay hydrated and drink water or refreshing drinks with minimal sugar. If you plan to be outside during the hotter parts of the day, usually 10 AM to 2 PM, you want to consciously drink more water. It’s best to avoid caffeine and alcohol. Don’t take any chances of becoming dehydrated and bring water with you wherever you go.
4. Follow A Proper Sleeping Schedule: One of the things that come with summer fatigue is not being able to sleep. It might sound weird but giving yourself a sleep schedule and sticking to it is a great way to get rid of sleep deprivation.
5. Don’t Have A Heavy Meal: Usually, after having a large meal, you feel a little sleepy; that is normal. But since you are trying to wake yourself up, you should avoid heavy meals. Instead, you can make sure that your meals are full of proteins and carbs. This allows your body to take the time to digest the food, which keeps you awake for longer.

How Clothing Can Help

One thing that many might subconsciously think about during the summer is the clothes they wear. Thinking about the clothes you’re wearing when you notice you have summer lethargy can help.

If you are going to be in the heat for a long or even a short time, think about wearing something light. The fabric of your clothing helps with regulating your internal temperature. Your body doesn’t have to do as much work as needed if you wear thick clothing. In addition, pay attention to the color of your clothing. Dark-colored clothes absorb more heat than light-colored clothes. So, remember these can help you how much your body is working to cool itself off.

Summer Activities To Help You Avoid The Heat

It’s understandable, that you don’t want to be in the heat this summer, but most summer activities are outside. So, we’ll give you some fun activities that you can do inside and outside that will be sure to keep you cool and get rid of your summer fatigue.

Outside Activities

1. If you have a pool, know someone who does, or you’re near a pool; take a dip
2. Have a water balloon fight
3. Create an obstacle course that involves water
4. Have a picnic with refreshing foods and drinks
5. Go on a walk when it’s cooler outside

Indoor Activities

1. Take a bath & give yourself a facial
2. Try out a new healthy recipe or Make your popsicles
3. Make a watermelon slushie (very refreshing)
4. Work out at home or Do something you have been putting off in your home
5. Go ice skating

There are many things to do this summer. So, don’t let summer fatigue stop you from doing them.