Surviving the heatwave

Ireland, like the rest of the world is in the middle of a heatwave… and while we are afraid to complain about it (in case we manifest the end of it, and none of us are ready to go back to rain), we all seem to be actually melting in this heat we are most definitely not accustomed to!

My husband copes by living in swim-shorts and has taken to throwing buckets of cold water over himself outside in the garden when it just all gets a bit much for him! That is unfortunately not so much of an option for me working, & having to be on video calls most of the day… swimsuit attire wouldn’t be appropriate but am pretty sure drenched wet hair dripping down my face and neck wouldn’t be such a ‘hot’ look either…

So here are some tips I’ve picked up to help us survive the heatwave together. Some of these tips will be common sense, and some will be things you forgot you already knew but hopefully there will be at least one you haven’t tried before.

1. Mega common sense! Drink plenty of fluids… drink water, herbal teas, iced teas - anything that keeps you hydrated. Skip the fizzy sugary drinks & limit caffeine as these will just make you thirstier and more dehydrated in the long run - putting your body under unnecessary pressure!
   I know it is hard but try to avoid/limit alcohol too as this will also just dehydrate you in the long run. I know we have been conditioned that sunny weather means chilled wine/ beers or a cocktail (aperol spritz anyone?) but try to drink water along side your alcoholic beverage if you do partake! Added bonus - it also means you are far less likely to wake up with a headache or feeling sluggish in the morning.

2. Eat your water! Most fruit and vegetables also have a high water content so salads or fruits are all great food choices during the heatwave - as well as being packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you looking great!

3. Common sense round 2! Sun cream. Factor 50+ on your face, neck and ears (don’t forget back of neck) - I wear factor 50 everywhere but you should definitely not be wearing any less on your face.
   And tip - don’t forget the tops of your hands - this area is often neglected and can really be affected by sun damage later in life!
   And don’t forget to cleanse your face when you get home in the evening so your skin gets a chance to breathe.

4. Wear natural fabrics. for sure there can be exceptions to this rule but breathable, natural fabrics are going to be your best friends in this weather. Think cotton, linen, silk, bamboo…
   Your underwear (if you are wearing it) for sure should be cotton, and rather than be uncomfortable as well as roasting - I have been wearing cotton bralets rather than a bra (if I wear a bra at all).
   Synthetic fabrics are mostly not breathable ie. not your friend if you are a sweaty betty like me! Polyester in particular is not breathable, and in general is terrible for the environment - however, not all polyester is created equally but it is good to be mindful!

5. For a natural sun screening effect (to bolster NOT replace wearing sun cream) make sure to eat plenty of tomatoes (preferably cooked) which helps to reduce the impact of the sun on your skin, as well as being super delicious together!
   *https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lycopene#other-benefits

6. If like me, your house is getting the sun all day long and turning it into a two storey sauna - close the curtains. No it is not a perfect solution but it has reduced the temperature in the house overall so that I am at least able to work. We open the doors when it is a little cooler in the evening to get some air in - but try to avoid it when it is very hot in the afternoon.

7. Sleep evading you! Despite all the windows upstairs being left open we are not even getting a hint of a breeze in the bedroom so sleep has been very difficult. The last 2 nights I have had a cold shower just before bed. I have colder than I enjoy and it has helped to bring my body temperature down and I have slept well both nights after the shower. Another night I took a facecloth (flannel) wet with freezing cold water and laid that on my chest which again really helped to lower my temperature and allowed me to get some sleep!

8. If you have to do a lot of travelling or are out an about I have a spray can of Avéne water and that feels divine when you are having an actual meltdown and you spray it in your face!
   It has lots of other great claims about it which I honestly cannot attest too but I find it a life saver when I am out and about in the heat. Here is a link (unaffiliated and not an ad) to the product on Boots.ie.

9. If you do exercise or go to the gym try to go at cooler times of the day - we have joined a morning yoga class at 7:30am. It is super early but it is totally worth it, and we can stay at the beach then for the rest of the morning and can be leaving when the madness starts and hundreds descend on the beach! I also have some afternoon gym sessions and those are hard in the heat. I just try to position myself close to open windows away from other people when I can, drink plenty of water and try not to be too hard on myself when I am able to do less than I would do normally. Heat really affects all of us - and it is important to check in with yourself when working out in the heat rather than give yourself shit for being a bit slower than normal!

Let me know how you are coping below - I am all ears for any tips and tricks!

In the mean time stay safe, and hydrated and enjoy the sunshine!

Shauna xxx