Surviving Sri Lanka’s Sizzling Temperatures
Can we just take a moment to collectively complain about this weather? The heat is on another level lately, and it's becoming a survival game out there. Whether you're planning a beach day, a hike, or simply stepping out for errands, it's essential to prioritise your well-being in these scorching temperatures. Here's our guide to help you navigate the heat with ease, we've categorised it into three sectors for full sun care and protection!
Before Going Out: Preparing for the Heat Wave
Before stepping out into the blazing sun, take a few moments to prepare yourself adequately. Here's what you can do:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: begin your day by drinking plenty of water. Opt for hydrating beverages like herbal infusions to replenish and regain energy lost while sweating.
Dress smart: choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing to allow your body to breathe. Donning a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses can shield you from the sun's harsh rays.
Sunscreen is an absolute must: apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating excessively.
Plan your activities wisely: schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid peak heat hours.
While Out: Navigating the Heat with Ease
As you venture into the outdoors, it's crucial to stay vigilant and attentive to your body's signals. Here are some tips to help you stay cool and comfortable:
Chase the shade: seek shelter under trees, umbrellas, or canopies whenever possible to escape direct sunlight. Take breaks as much as you can in shaded areas to prevent overheating.
Stay cool as a cucumber: keep hydrated with some cold beverages like herbal infusions for nutritional replenishment and munch on water-rich fruits like, well, cucumbers! And those wet tissues? They are absolute lifesavers for staying cool on the move.
Beat the heat with cooling accessories: wet tissues are your best bet for this, they are easy to carry around and do their job to lower your body temperature perfectly.
Listen to your body: If you start feeling dizzy or sweaty in all the wrong ways, don't push it. Find shade, chill out, and hydrate until you're feeling more like yourself again.
After Coming in: Post-Heat Recovery
Once you've wrapped up your outdoor escapades, it's time to unwind and recuperate from the heat. Here's how you can ensure a smooth transition back to comfort:
Rehydrate and replenish: drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate your body after sweating in the sun. But make sure not to do it as soon as you’re home, instead, give your body time to adjust to the room temperature. Again opt for water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, or drinking yoghurt to restore lost electrolytes.
Cool down: take a refreshing shower or cool bath to lower your body temperature and soothe overheated skin. For this too give it some time and not do it as soon as you are back. After showering, lather some aloe vera gel to soothe that very sun-kissed skin.
Rest and relax: allow your body ample time to recover from the heat by resting in a cool, air-conditioned environment. Elevate your legs and rest for a while if you've been on your feet for an extended period.
Reflect and prepare: reflect on your outdoor experience and evaluate what worked well and what didn't. Use this insight to better prepare for future outings in hot weather, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer experience.
With these tips up your sleeve, you'll be conquering the Sri Lankan weather like a boss. So go ahead, soak up that sunshine (safely, of course), and enjoy every moment of this toasty adventure!