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The Sun: Clearly an Enemy |
1. Ultra-Hydrating Drinks
Firstly drink lots of plain regular trusty WATER.
Secondly, specialty drink such as this aloe vera juice with lime and honey as well as Pocari Sweat are VERY hydrating and tasty.
Thirdly, the OS-1 is a drink specifically designed to combat DEHYDRATION! If you're suffering from heat exhaustion or even just sick with the flu, get this stuff!!!
[NOT a substitute for seeking medical help in cases of extreme heat stroke, etc.]
2. Cold Drinks
Cold drinks are wonderful, but for every iced coffee or tea you enjoy, remember to drink additional water to compensate for the caffeine (a diuretic, which can also increase thirst).
Bonus if your drink has ice cubes because you can suck on the ice and/or drink the melting ice water after your juice is finished.
Even putting ice in beer is common in extremely hot countries. It also counteracts the effects of heat + alcohol. If you're not used to drinking in a very hot country, you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed. However, add some ice to your beer and you'll stay hydrated while enjoying your buzz.
3. Jelly Drinks
Jelly drinks are also a great way to stay hydrated while also ensuring that you're meeting your daily needs for things such as Vitamin C or Protein. They're perfect for a meal on the go, come in a variety of flavours, are packed with vitamins, minerals, etc.
4. Shade and Cool
This is about as obvious as drinking plenty of fluids! However, you may be interested to know some unique ways to shade your body.
In Japan, for example, sun sleeves are very popular (top right) as are sun umbrellas. You may feel silly at first wearing a detached set of sleeves that end in finger-less gloves, but your skin will thank you!
You can't tell from the photo but Bangkok is PUNISHINGLY HOT |
I find that packing a breathable, light-coloured scarf or shawl helps keep me cool by protecting my arms and shoulders from the blistering sun.
It also serves to cover your shoulders and upper arms when entering Buddhist temples, some of which have strict dress codes. Or, if your shoulders are already covered, but your thighs/knees are showing, you can wrap it around your lower body.
5. Sunscreen
I like to have 2 or 3 different sunscreens at a time for different body parts as well as different levels of sun exposure.
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunblock is perfect for my face if I'll be outside in direct sunlight, whereas if I'm teaching and only exposed to indirect sunlight coming in from the windows, I'll use Jack Black Face Moisturizer with SPF 30. It smells terrific and feels light and non-greasy.
Wearing chap stick or lip balm with SPF is a good idea if you'll be out in the sun for long periods of time! I recommend Blistex medicated balm.
While these are my favourite sunscreens, I have recently been trying to learn more about which sunscreens are safest based on the most recent available scientific data. So, while I can personally vouch for the efficacy of these two brands, I can't say for certain they are THE absolute safest.
For free information on choosing a sunscreen that's safe for your skin, check out the link here!
6. Cooling & Cleansing Products
Obviously when it's very hot you're going to want to use a good deodorant. I really like the Dove, spray-on Silk Dry.
Other products to keep you feeling cool and fresh are: towelettes and oil absorbing sheets. For these items, I find any brand will do.
Snake Brand Prickly Heat is a fantastic product for absorbing sweat and odors, preventing and minimizing heat rashes, and generally making the heat more bearable. Ditto for the Burt's Bees dusting powder.
The two products on the right are excellent for cooling your skin. Aloe is very versatile and can be used to treat sunburns and re-hydrate your skin. Whereas the Verveine Cooling Hand Cream by L'Occitane en Provence is a little more expensive, it's worth it. I love every product I've tried by L'Occitane and this one is no exception. It cools your skin, smells amazing and it's basically pure luxury in a bottle.
7. Hydrating Face Masks
For the purpose of cooling down, any brand will do. Think of it like a cold face cloth to the forehead, except they're also great for your skin.
8. A Spare Change of Clothes
When I'm at the school teaching, it's inevitable to get overheated due to all the physical activity. I use the Don Draper method of always keeping a spare shirt at the office. To be frank, keeping a spare set of undergarments is also a good call.
Under Armour is the best for underwear that breathes and stays dry in hot weather.
9. Ice, Ice and More Ice
- place a wet cloth in the freezer and then lay it on your forehead when you're feeling too hot
- wrap a small bag of ice in a dishtowel and place it on the nap of your neck
- use a cooling eye mask
- try cooling patches
10. Cold Treats
Never forget the simple truths of childhood. When it's hot, eat ice cream!
Freezies and popsicles are also acceptable.
11. Get in the water!!!
12. Try this Thai Herbal Inhaler
I'd never seen or heard of this product before coming to Thailand, but this herbal inhaler is great for dizziness and faintness. When I feel overheated, I sniff this and it really helps. It's like smelling salts, but with a very unique, pungent aroma that wakes you right up.
13. Have Fun!
I have definitely taken all these steps to keep cool in the classroom while teaching. Sometimes it just isn't enough though I can speak from experience that bringing a spare change clothes is a must in Thailand!
ReplyDeleteSo lucky to have air conditioning in the classroom! 🌴🌞🌴🌡🔥
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