10 Tricks for Staying Cool and Dry During the Summer Months at Work
The summer season generates visions of family vacations and relaxing on a beach or by a pool, but most professionals spend the bulk of their summer days dashing to and from work trying to avoid the heat (and rain). So, it might seem like you have a constant glisten of perspiration during the hot and humid days of summer. Fortunately, there are some tricks to staying cool and relatively dry during the steamy summer months.
Limit Your Caffeine Intake
This might be difficult for Starbucks addicts or Coca-Cola guzzlers, but caffeine increases the heart rate and body temperature, so it’s best to avoid all caffeine during the summer months, or only drink it in the morning before it gets too hot outside.
Swap Out Hot for Iced Coffee
If you have to drink coffee, go for the iced coffee. It might feel strange to have a cold iced coffee in your hands at 8 a.m., but starting the day off with a cold drink instead of a steaming cup of joe will help keep you cool for the remainder of the day.
Love Your Water Bottle
Hydration is key for staying cool over the summer. Pick out a new favorite water bottle at the store and take it everywhere with you. Most offices have a water station (some even have ice), so fill up your bottle every couple of hours. Consider adding some berries, lemon, or cucumbers for a cool, fresh taste.
Eat Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are mostly water-based help keep you cool and hydrated during summer months. Melons, berries, cucumbers, and tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and nutrients — and are all over 90% water. Make sure to load up on them at every meal.
Limit Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can raise your body temperature and cause you to sweat. Try to avoid any foods that contain hot peppers, such as Mexican food and Indian food. And if you’re a hot-sauce lover, save it for the fall and winter months.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
Cotton is king during the summer months. Linen and silk are also light and cool. But make sure to stay away from synthetic, plastic-based fabrics. Synthetic fabrics don’t allow air flow and will hold in the heat, causing you to sweat. Check the tags. When in doubt, go for something that says 100% cotton.
Take Cold Showers
Cold showers will be a shock at first, but you’ll eventually start to enjoy them. And they’re key to keeping your body temperature low, whether you take evening or morning showers. A cold shower is also good for your hair and skin, adding an extra glow, and good for stimulating your organs and relieving stress.
Find the Right Antiperspirant
Deodorants mask smells with perfume. whereas an antiperspirant suppresses the flow of sweat. So, look for a deodorant with an antiperspirant and test them out. Depending on your body, one type or another within a brand might work better for you. Consider getting a couple of sample sizes to test and then buying a full-size once you’ve found the best one for you.
Keep Your Feet Cool
Just like they tell you to put socks on during the winter to stay warm, you should remove socks during the summer months to stay cool. Try to wear sandals whenever possible — in fact, no shoes that require socks or pantyhose if you can help it! Office dress codes tend to be a little more relaxed during the summer months, and may allow for more casual shoes. Check with your manager or HR team just in case.
Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety cause your body temperature to rise and will cause you to sweat. Thus, try to avoid anxiety-inducing situations, or use breathing exercises to alleviate worry and stay calm. Yoga is also great for stress relief, but avoid hot yoga (bikram) sessions during the summer months.