Many newspapers promised us a three-month heatwave this summer. Things aren’t exactly going as expected. We have had some warm weather so far, though, and hopefully, the sun will be out to play more during the rest of the summer. However, there are downsides to a heatwave sweeping through the country. We are notoriously bad at coping with them, for a number of reasons. Firstly, we’re just not used to it. We rarely get hot weather, so when it arrives, we don’t know what to do. It can also sometimes feel much warmer than it is, since we can get quite humid heat. If you’re worried about surviving the summer, try these tips.

Stay Hydrated

Rule number one when the weather heats up is to remember to drink more. The funny thing is that you have to remind yourself to drink. Don’t assume that you’re going to feel thirsty whenever you need to drink more. You could feel fine until you’re suddenly not because you’re getting dehydrated. It’s a good idea to have a water bottle and keep refilling it throughout the day. One tip some people use is to half-fill a bottle and freeze it, then top it up with cold water. The ice will keep your water cold as it melts.

Here’s a slightly strange tip for making sure you’re getting enough water: pay attention when you go to the toilet. If your wee is darker, you’re not drinking enough.

Avoid Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be very dangerous, so avoiding it is essential during a hot summer. On top of drinking a lot of water, wear light and loose clothing so that you’re covered up with room to breathe. A wide-brimmed hat will help to protect your head and face. Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen with at last an SPF 15, but preferably higher. You should be especially careful when you’re exercising, even if you’re just walking.

Keep the Air Cool

One of the reasons we can struggle to survive a hot summer in the UK is that we often don’t have air conditioning. We may not need it for much of the year, but there are times when it can come in handy. Installing a unit in your home or business could help to keep everyone cool. Failing that, fans can help to keep the air moving, so it feels less stagnant. It’s a good idea to open the doors in your home to let the air flow through, especially if you open the windows at night.

Cool Yourself Down

If you’re feeling warm and flustered and there’s no fan to help, there are several ways you can cool down. Towels soaked in cool water or ice packs wrapped in something will feel cooling, especially on pulse points such as your wrists or neck. It can get pretty warm at night, so find your preferred way of sleeping. Light sheets are best, with loose PJs if you can bear to wear them.

It could get into the 30s this summer, so watch out for yourself and your family. Staying cool is about being safe and well as comfortable.