Beat The Heat
I used to get zapped by the heat. The combination of bright sun, high temperatures, and humidity was a recipe to quickly drain my energy, from which I seldom recovered by day’s end. All that has changed in recent years, with some simple habits.
Himalayan brine*
This has likely been the biggest game-changer for me; replacing electrolytes lost through sweat, with brine made from pink salt. When I add this to my water bottle while working or adventuring outdoors, my energy and mental alertness are much more sustainable.
Instructions:
1. Place a few chunks of Himalayan rock salt in a jar
2. Fill with filtered water
3. Let them sit for 24 hours. You now have brine.
4 Add 1-2 tsp of the brine to a bottle of water. Add a squeeze of citrus, if you don’t like the taste.
Remarkably, the more you need it the less you will taste the salt!
Chunks of Himalayan salt can be found in many supplement shops, and in Collingwood at Orchard Health Foods, Good Health Mart, and the Rock Shop (Appealing Environments).
Additional benefit: dabbing brine directly onto skin is brilliant for clearing pimples!
Wearing a hat
Outdoor activities for me, such as reading and gardening, are now accompanied by a hat. With a brim large enough to shade my eyes from direct sunlight, it also protects my face from the majority of UV rays. This helps shade the head from direct heat, while also preventing eye fatigue and headaches. For hiking, I prefer to forgo the hat and select cooler, shady trails.
Window coverings
For indoor comfort, strategically closing windows & shutters can help greatly. When a hot day is forecast we are mindful to close east- & south-facing windows & shutters in the AM, then south- & west-facing in the PM.
Hydration
If you’ve been following my articles for a while you’ll know how I like to calculate average daily water intake needs; half your body weight (lb) in ounces (oz). In hot weather, this should be a minimum daily goal. Fun ways to create variety include consuming fruits & veggies that have a high water content, such as cucumber, watermelon, and grapes (try freezing the grapes first!), or infusing your water overnight with fruit or cucumber.
While cold alcoholic beverages can feel refreshing, do know alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body, which means it will not contribute to your hydration status and may actually worsen it.
By practising these habits, my endurance in the summer heat has greatly increased, which means I can enjoy this beautiful season so much more.
☀️Have fun out there!
*This may not be appropriate for all people; if you have hypertension or other issues with sodium, discuss with your qualified healthcare practitioner.
