Mastering how to keep cool in the summer heat is the key to going about your everyday business without feeling hot and bothered. From carrying bottles of frozen water to practising specialist breathing, we've curated a list of the most effective ways to cool down, whatever you're doing.
While we welcome summer with open arms, there’s no denying that the rising temperatures can make our normal daily routines whatever we're doing. Whether working, shopping or socialising any task can feel a little bit more of a struggle in sweltering heat.
From looking at how to cool down a room without AC, how to sleep in the heat or just being able to pop to the shops without overheating we've compiled a list of 20 easy ways to keep cool when the temperatures heat up this summer.
How to keep cool in summer: 20 heatwave tips
From wearing light colours to cooling pulse points with iced wristbands these expert-approved tips and a few of our own quirky hacks will keep you cool while out and about this summer.
1. Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day
Any healthcare expert will tell you to avoid going outside when temperatures start to soar. The NHS sun safety advice suggests keeping out of the sun between 11 am to 3 pm because this is when sun rays are at their hottest.
Avoiding being in direct sunlight during these high times is the easiest way to keep cool, and avoid having to treat sunburn. If you have to go out, try to stay in the shade. If you're in the backyard consider one of the many garden shade ideas to stay cool while enjoying time outdoors.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking water is an obvious but highly important aspect of how to keep cool in the summer heat. Water is an essential nutrient for the body, and during the summer months staying hydrated is crucial to retaining the body's core temperature to ensure you avoid feeling too hot.
“Staying hydrated is vital if you’re going to keep your energy levels up on a warm day and to help ensure you do not overheat and become dehydrated," says Boots Chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan OBE. "Aim to drink a glass of water soon after waking and continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day."
"We should drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid a day, which is about eight to 10 glasses" advises Bupa Health Clinics’ Clinical Director, Dr Luke Powles. "However, if you’re in the heat during the day you can become dehydrated quicker, so drink more often and aim for at least 2 litres."
Dr Powles warns, "Try to avoid drinks containing caffeine as they can often encourage dehydration." Try to avoid excess alcohol as this will also dehydrate you.
3. Use a handheld fan on to go
There's nothing groundbreaking about this handy hack but it is a fast, effective way to keep cool in summer while you are without a natural cooling breeze.
While a standard fan helps to keep a bedroom cool a handheld mini fan is a summer staple to have as and when you need instant cool air on the move.
All the latest models are slimline enough to pop in a small handbag, to avoid weighing you down with a bulky gadget. Handheld fans are ideal if you're commuting or perhaps sitting in a stuffy waiting room during the hottest hours of the day.
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4. Cool pulse points
The secret behind regulating body temperature is keeping your body warm but cooling core pulse points such as your head, neck, and wrists. Targeting pulse points and keeping those key areas cooler helps to lower core body temperature, preventing overheating.
"Run your wrists under a cold tap! The water cools the main veins that run through your wrists, which will lower the temperature of your blood flow and cool you down" Dr Powles exclusively tells woman&home.
In addition to running cold water, you could also try resting a cold wet flannel on these pressure areas which will also rapidly reduce body heat by effectively cooling the blood circulating around your body – helping you to feel cooler, faster.
5. Wear cooling wrist bands
We've already touched on how important it is to keep your pulse points cool to lower your body temperature but if you're on the go you will need a better solution than running your wrists under cold water.
In this instance, we recommend wearing cooling writs bands that do the same job but in a way that allows you to do about your everyday business, while maintaining a cooler core temperature.
You simply pop your band in the fridge or freezer to allow the internal pads to cool before you velcro the device to your wrist.
6. Mist yourself with a cooling spray
A cooling mist is an ideal solution to solve how to keep cool in summer when you're on the go. "If you’re out and about take a cooling spray or mist with you to help keep your face and body cool and refresh skin in the warmer weather" advises Marc.
Beauty expert and founder of Sugar Coated, Rosie Khandwala shared her recipe for a cooling homemade rose water cooling mist. All you need is an empty spray bottle, 90ml of mineral water, and 10ml of rose water like this Pure Organic Rose Water from Amazon.
"Simply pour the ingredients into the bottle (a funnel will help) and shake well," explains Rosie. "Why do I recommend rose water? Rose water does not have any side effects on any skin type. It is also refreshing, has a sweet fragrance, and is great as a toner with its antioxidant properties."
To make it extra cooling, Rosie shares her top tip, "Store in the fridge overnight so it is nice and cold when you use it during the day." We can't help but feel the frozen cucumber facial reviver hack could be another good way to cool down, especially after a day in the sun.
7. Freeze bottles of water
Pop a few water bottles in the freezer to provide icy cold refreshments and a handy hack for cooling pulse points while you're out and about.
“One way to remain cool in the heat, especially when you are outside, is to freeze bottles of water in the freezer at home. Take these out with you and they will help to keep you cool" suggests Sonia Khan, Senior Pharmacist at Medicine Direct. "Furthermore, as the ice melts, you will be supplied with a refreshingly cold drink to keep you going."
8. Minimise exercise or make it timely
Staying active can be a great way to prevent feeling lethargic in the heat but it's important to get your workouts in early before temperatures start to rise. While there are surprising benefits of exercising in the heat it's not for everyone.
"Exercising in the hot weather puts extra stress on our bodies, meaning it is really important to know your limits and pay close attention to what your body is telling you" advises Dr Powles.
"To try and stay cool, your body diverts a lot of blood away from your muscles to your skin, putting more stress on your muscles, meaning you are using more energy as you work out. The heat will have an effect on your workout, so make sure you take regular breaks to cool down and rehydrate. Exercising at cooler times of the day is preferable."
"Figure out when the best time of day to workout might be and get it scheduled then so you don’t get caught out," advises Rosie Stockley aka @mamawelluk on Instagram, Women’s Fitness Specialist. "Try and avoid the hottest time from 11 am - 3 pm. Early morning or later afternoon is best."
9. Dress for the weather
Plan your outfit ahead of the heat to make sure it's suitable to keep you cool, from the best summer outfits for the office for day-to-day to the best summer dresses to ensure you are comfortable during the heat.
“Make sure you wear light, breathable clothing and wear a sunhat for added sun protection," advises Marc. "Wearing light colours and loose-fitting clothing is recommended to avoid the chance of overheating.”
Dr Powles adds, "A top tip would be to wear linen or cotton materials. These give you that extra room to breathe so will help to keep you cool!"
Elaborating on exactly how loose clothes keep you cool, Sonia explains, "Wearing loose-fitting clothes will help your body to breathe, reducing how much you need to sweat. This will help to keep you cool and lower the risk of dehydration from loss of bodily fluids."
And on why we should wear lighter colours Sonia adds, "Wearing dark colours absorb more light energy from the sun, meaning they will also absorb more heat.
10. Eat hydrating foods
"Our appetite naturally reduces in the heat because our body is trying to keep cool – it’s paying less attention to how hungry we are!" explains Dr Powles. "However, it’s important to try and eat regularly."
"When it comes to the best foods to eat during the warm weather, choose food with high water content such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, celery, and radishes which will help the body hydrate. Melons are also a great cooling and hydrating choice to enjoy."
11. Drink hot drinks
Don't avoid going for your regular brew in favour of an iced version, because drinking hot drinks actually does help to keep you cool! It's whispered as an age-old method, we've all heard it before, but we're never really sure how true it is.
To settle the debate once and for all, David Wiener, Training Specialist at fitness and lifestyle coaching app Freeletics tells woman&home, "You may not think it, but enjoying a hot drink, such as tea or herbal teas, can result in less heat being stored in your body."
"Drinking something hot means that you will sweat more, and therefore, cool you down much quicker than if you were drinking something cold."
12. Try specialist breathing techniques
In addition to seeing yoga as a workout consider how to keep cool by embracing an age-old yoga breathing technique.
"Sitali breathing is a yoga breathing practice and a way to make cool air yourself" explains TEMPUR's sleep expert and chartered psychologist, Suzy Reading.
"It’s best to be seated. On inhalation only, curl up your tongue like a straw and sip in your breath through your tongue, the air will feel very cool. Then close your mouth and exhale slowly through your nose. Just five minutes can be very effective."
This soothing and cooling practice is especially useful as a meditative practice before bed to help you cool and relax.
13. Take cold showers
Taking cold showers is a great way to feel refreshed after being out in the heat and lower your body temperature.
"The main thing to remember is that the arms and legs help regulate body temperature, so cooling them will reduce the whole body's temperature" explains Marina Logacheva, Aguulp’s registered Nutritionist.
If you're trying this right before bed Marina suggests a slightly less icy temperature, "Try to avoid cold showers as it can make you more alert; make it a cool shower instead."
14. Pop socks in the freezer
Speaking of feet, this quirky but fail-safe tip is a favourite of the team here at woman&home. Simply pop a pair of dry, clean socks (not damp) into the freezer for at least an hour, then put them on for an instant cooling effect.
You want to get the socks as cold as possible, so in our experience, three hours is a good amount of time to sufficiently cool them – because once you put your hot feet into them, the clock is ticking for them to start to warm.
15. Keep beauty products in the fridge
Make more space in your organised fridge or your skincare fridge to store cooling beauty products such as your best aftersun or cooling gels.
Nick Small, AO's small appliance expert advises, "Be fridge freezer smart. There are plenty of foods that are suitable to store at ambient temperatures. Foods such as condiments, avocados, potatoes, and fresh herbs can be stored in the cupboard. This helps to keep space free in the fridge for water, beverages, fruit, and other items like face sprays and moisturizers to keep cool for application, and don’t forget some space for the aftersun in the fridge."
Simply pop these cooled beauty products in your bag when you head out to the beach and beyond, preferably in a mini cool bag to make sure they retain their cool temperature.
16. Fill a hot water bottle with crushed ice
Create a handy cooling device to keep your bed cool by getting creative with your hot water bottle. Rather than filling it with hot water, instead, fill it with crushed ice and cold water to create a generous ice pack that can then be carried around with you while you go about your business.
Due to the thermal properties of the design, it will stay cool for a good few hours, to ensure you keep your cool for longer.
17. Put a bowl of ice in front of a fan
Whether at home or in the office, utilising this expert fan hack will make the cool air feel even colder on your skin. Place a generous bowl of ice in front of a fan and prepare to feel the icy effects.
"A bowl of ice placed in front of your fan will help to generate cold air," says Suzy. "Rather than moving existing warm air around the room, the ice will cool the air circulated by the fan, working to cool your room down."
18. Put your feet in a bowl of lukewarm water
Submerging your feet in a bowl of water is a classic way to try to cool down, but it's not only ice-cold water that will do the trick – handy for those who avoid cold water swimming and the like because they aren't fans of extreme temperatures.
"Putting your feet in a bowl of tepid water offers a longer-lasting cooling process," explains the experts at MattressOnline. "It also avoids the shock of using ice-cold water, which can jar you awake and make It harder to get to sleep."
19. Apply Aloe Vera to your skin
Enjoy the instant benefit of the cooling sensation of applying Aloe Vera to the skin, often used in the best ways to heal sunburn for this very reason.
This tip comes from Meteorologist Jodi Kodesh on TikTok who states that using Aloe Vera can be more beneficial than taking a cold shower because Aloe Vera absorbs into the body 5 times quicker than water to help you feel cooler quicker.
20. Keep windows closed in confined spaces
If you find yourself in a confined space such as a work meeting room or similar in the summer heat, it’s important to block out any sunlight so make sure blinds and curtains are closed and avoid the temptation to open the windows.
To explain the reasoning behind keeping windows closed in confined spaces Dr Powles says, "You’d be inclined to think opening them will help but actually, it just brings hot air into the room." If there is nowhere for the hot air to go, to create a breeze it remains hot and lingers to make you feel hot.
"If the room doesn’t have air conditioning then use a desk fan. While a fan doesn’t make a room cooler it will move air over your skin which will help to lower your body temperature."
