How to Stay Cool in the Texas Heat

Temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees in the Texas summer. It may feel impossible to escape the heat and cool down, especially when you’re outside. However, with some careful planning and extra effort, you can stay cool both indoors and outdoors. Here are some tips for staying safe and comfortable in the hot weather:

Reduce sunlight in your home.

While it can be nice to fill your home with sunlight, keeping your curtains and blinds open will increase the temperature in your home. You could also be exposed to the sun’s dangerous UV rays when you let the sunlight in.

To keep your home cool and protect yourself from sun damage, close your curtains when the sun is directly ahead. For example, if your windows face east, your curtains should be closed in the morning.

Stay hydrated.

Drinking water is important throughout the whole year, but you should be particularly careful to stay hydrated in the heat. The more you sweat, the more water you need to drink. You should keep a cold water bottle with you at all times to regulate your body temperature and prevent dehydration.

Dress for the heat.

Loose-fitting cotton clothing is usually the best option during hot weather. Cotton is a light and breathable fabric that will absorb excess sweat and keep your body cool. Dark colors tend to absorb more heat, so you should opt for light-colored clothing.

If you plan to be in the direct sunlight, you should wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible. While a tank top and shorts might feel like the most comfortable option, protective clothing is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

Cool down your sheets and curtains.

If your bedroom is too warm to sleep comfortably in, you can try cooling down your sheets with a light misting of cold water. You could also put your sheets and blankets into a large bag and store it in the freezer for a few minutes before going to bed.

To cool a room down without air conditioning, you can open your window and spray your curtains with cold water. As the breeze blows in, the air will feel cool and refreshing.

Cool off in the pool.

Swimming is a great way to stay cool while still enjoying the summer weather. If you swim outdoors, make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin. The sun can be especially harmful when it reflects off the water.

Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion.

Even if you’re as careful as possible in the heat, it can still affect your health. Heat exhaustion is a serious problem that can lead to heat stroke, which is potentially life-threatening. Symptoms to watch out for include dizziness, a fast heart rate, fatigue, muscle cramps, and nausea. If you start to experience the signs of heat exhaustion, you should go indoors or into the shade immediately and drink cold water to lower your body temperature.

The Texas heat can be overwhelming, but you can stay cool and enjoy the summertime if you follow these tips. Most importantly, you should protect your health by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and getting out of the sun if you don’t feel well.