The stereotypes of Britain being a land of drizzle and mild temperatures might still persist, but we all know that over the last few years there has been some extraordinary weather. We can all remember the spring and early summer of 2020 for it’s lockdowns, but while we weren’t allowed out, we had almost four month of uninterrupted sunshine and heat!

When those periods coincide with summer and temperatures start to become uncomfortable, there are lots of different ways to keep cool in summer.

Keeping the heat out

The first of which is a trick which our friends on the continent use. If you draw the blinds and keep the windows closed when it’s cooler inside than out, you can help keep your home a few degrees below the outside temperature and at a more comfortable temperature. If you have a particularly well insulated house and it starts to warm up despite trying this, then opening the windows throughout the house and keeping the blinds drawn can help create a bit of breeze through the house. Remember it might be cooler outside in the shade and with a bit of breeze than it is inside even after you’ve tried these tricks.

Keeping yourself cool

Once you’ve got your house set up as best you can, it’s worth ensure your clothing is as comfortable as possible too. Often, it’s worth swapping synthetic clothing for lightweight cotton options which are loose fitting. This might mean a trip to the shops, but they’re likely to be air conditioned and that can give you a nice break too!

While you’re there, it might be worth stopping in a coffee shop on your local high street, a café at your local leisure centre or a local hotel. These are places where you’ll be welcomed for a drink and it’s a great chance to have a catch up over lunch too.

Some chores can wait

If your loved one is always keen to keep on top of the housework and the garden, we know it’s hard to talk them out of it when they want everything to be spick and span and they want those weeds to be pulled out of the planter. During the worst of the heat if you can offer to help with the housework or the weeding this can help avoid the most strenuous activities, especially between 11am and 3pm when the temperatures are going to be highest.

If these aren’t possible then a sponge on the back of the neck with cool water, a cold shower, or putting your feet in some cool water are three great ways to cool you down straight away.

Don’t forget to make sure you keep refreshed and hydrated – you can see some fantastic ideas of how to do that here.

Throughout all of the warm weather, the most important thing is to watch make yourself and your loved ones as comfortable as possible and keep an eye out for the signs of dehydration and heatstroke. Which are:
– confusion and sluggishness
– disorientation
– cramps
– dry skin around the eyes and nose

If you’d like more information on ways to keep cool in summer or other support your local Athena Care Home can offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team here.