Hot weather can feel wonderful when you’re on holiday, maybe lying by the pool with a cool drink in your hand. 

But here in the UK, hot weather can feel borderline miserable for some. Recent record-high temperatures have put into sharp perspective the fact that we’re used to dealing with much cooler weather. 

However, there are some ways you can help yourself during a heatwave, some obvious and some a little more obscure. Read on to discover six ways to keep your cool when the mercury rises. 

UK homes are usually designed to keep the heat in, which can be problematic during the warmer weather

Buildings in the UK have generally been designed to keep the heat in during winter. So, when a heatwave hits, our homes can often feel like greenhouses, trapping all the hot air and resulting in stifling temperatures both indoors and out. 

Research from the British Red Cross shows that: 

  • Two in five adults say they have never seen information on how to protect themselves in a heatwave
  • Only a third of people reduce strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day
  • Many don’t adapt their clothing or routines.

But trying to simply carry on with your daily routine can not only be difficult, but it can also lead to health issues including dehydration and heatstroke. 

Your main aim is to keep your core temperature at roughly 37°C – which you can do by avoiding excess heat and deliberately promoting the cooling process – as well as replacing any lost fluids and salts. 

While you may not be able to completely change your lifestyle during a heatwave, making some small adaptations can help to support your health. 

6 unusual ways to stay cool

You may not have tried some of these tips and techniques, which can be slightly more offbeat ways to deal with a heatwave. 

1. Wear damp socks in bed

Putting on socks might feel counterproductive, but cotton socks dampened with cold water can draw heat away from your feet and tell your brain that your body is cooling down.

2. Set ceiling fans to anticlockwise

If you’re lucky enough to have a ceiling fan, set it to rotate anticlockwise, as this can help to channel the air straight down.

3. Freeze your pillowcase

Put your pillowcase, pyjamas, or hot water bottle filled with cold water in the freezer for about 20 minutes before you go to bed. This can help to give you a welcome cool surface for your hot skin. 

4. Eat spicy food

Although salads and ice cream may seem more obvious, spicy food can encourage sweating. When sweat evaporates, this can offer a natural cooling effect for your skin. The same applies to hot drinks, especially if you’re outside in the dry air. 

5. Shut your windows

Often the first response to hot weather is to throw open all the windows. But this can often just let more hot air into your house. Keep your windows and curtains shut during the day and open them later in the evening when the outside air is cooler. 

6. Wear pyjamas

You might feel that wearing nothing at all would be cooler, but light cotton pyjamas can absorb sweat and help you to cool down more effectively. 

Standard advice which can also help you manage during a heatwave

There is plenty of more conventional advice, too, which may seem more obvious but is always worth reminding yourself of.

Cool your pulse points

These are the areas where your blood vessels are closest to the surface, so cooling them down circulates cool blood around your body. Apply an ice pack or cool flannel to your wrists, neck, ankles, and temples.  

Stay well hydrated

It’s really important to keep sipping water throughout the day; don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Try to avoid excess alcohol and caffeine, as these can be dehydrating. 

Cover your windows

Shading or covering your windows can help to keep the internal temperature down, while opening them on either side of your house can keep the air circulating (remember to only do this when the outside temperature drops, though). 

Switch off electronics

These can generate heat, even when they’re in standby mode. Unplug as much as you can and switch your lights off when you don’t need them. 

Move to a lower level

Heat rises, so working or even sleeping downstairs could prove to be more comfortable. 

Get in touch

When it comes to your finances, we can help you keep your cool. Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807 and we’ll be happy to help. 

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.