Summer has arrived, and with it comes scorching temperatures. Despite the fact that some people enjoy the heat, others find it unbearable. Additionally, studies show that workplace productivity drops by 20 percent between June and August.
If you’re not fond of the dog days of summer, you can use your calendar to help. When you make the most of your calendar, you can make the most of your time, plan outdoor activities wisely, and stay cool all summer long.
With the help of your trusty calendar, we will explore some practical tips for beating the heat.
1. Mark the hottest days of the year on your calendar.
Almanac notes that July is the hottest month of the year for most of the country. It is common to see this pattern in many parts of the country, from the Rockies to the East Coast.
There are, however, exceptions to this rule. As an example, the Desert Southwest usually peaks in June. California is another example. Along the West Coast, currents flow from Alaska. A cooling fog results from the chill Pacific air hitting the warm land. As such, it can be quite chilly during the summer.
In any case, you can look at historical data to see when the year’s hottest days will fall. Then you can avoid scheduling outdoor activities on those days by planning ahead.
2. Create a schedule for outdoor activities that is strategic.
If you plan your outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, you can beat the heat. Weather forecasts can be helpful in planning activities like morning walks, gardening, or outdoor workouts when temperatures are relatively lower — usually in the morning or evening.
Aside from that, avoid scheduling outdoor activities in the middle of the day when it is the hottest. Usually, this occurs between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Including these activities in your calendar will allow you to make the most of cooler weather while avoiding the stifling heat.
3. Take breaks in the shade.
When you’re spending a lot of time outside, find some shade to take a break every 20-30 minutes. The good news is that you can set a calendar reminder in advance to be reminded to take a break when needed.
Of course, you can use voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa, and Bixby to remind you to take a break from the heat.
4. Set hydration reminders.
During hot summer days, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Drink water regularly by setting up reminders in your calendar — like with break reminders. If you want, you can set reminders every hour or customize them according to your daily routine.
Staying on top of your hydration goals is easier with these reminders. And more importantly, it will ensure that you remain cool and refreshed throughout the day.
5. Maximize indoor activities.
When the heat becomes unbearable, you should turn your attention indoors. If you want to pursue indoor hobbies, leisure activities, or projects, use your calendar to schedule them. Examples include catching up on your reading list or playing board games with your family.
It is possible to take advantage of your indoor time by allocating specific timeslots for these activities. And, as an added perk, you’ll also avoid the discomfort of extreme heat.
6. Make a plan for indoor chores.
In high temperatures, household chores can be physically demanding. Plan your calendar strategically so that you can accomplish these tasks.
Try to schedule activities such as cleaning, laundry, and cooking during cooler hours. As a result, you will be able to minimize your exposure to the heat while completing your necessary tasks.
Additionally, you will save money by doing your laundry before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. During “peak hours,” energy companies charge you extra for energy usage.
7. Attend an indoor event or workshop.
Visit your community calendar or search for air-conditioned venues such as museums, galleries, and libraries for local events and workshops. Be sure to also keep an eye out for any cultural and educational events in your area. In addition, you may want to consider attending industry events or taking courses that will benefit your career.
In addition to keeping you cool, indoor events offer enriching experiences as well.
8. Take advantage of calendar integrations.
Use an app or service that integrates with your calendar to access weather information. Your calendar can be linked to a weather forecast so you can stay up-to-date on temperature changes.
By integrating these tools, you can make educated decisions regarding rescheduling or adapting your activities to beat the heat.
9. Keep your meals light.
In hot weather, heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable Try eating light meals that contain a lot of water, like fruits and vegetables.
The problem is that it’s difficult to keep cool in a hot kitchen when the temperature is high. In turn, this might make you avoid cooking at home. What’s more, you may be in and out between vacations, birthdays, or pool parties.
However, you can use your calendar to simplify your meal prepping.
- Schedule your meals. The key to meal prepping is planning your meals ahead of time. Map out what meals you will have on what days of the week. This type of task can be made easier by using scheduling software. Keeping an organized weekly schedule can help you visualize your week at a glance.
- Make a list of recipes. A list can assist you in organizing your thoughts, much like a schedule. You can categorize your meals by food group to make your lists even more organized.
- Have a cooking day. You can cut down on your cooking time by setting a day aside for your weekly meals. For example, having your meal ready in advance is great for lunches on the go.
- Get organized. Your life will be easier if you organize your stocked-up items. It’s time to deal with that fridge or pantry. Don’t keep stuff that you don’t use or that is outdated.
- Use your freezer. Did you know you can freeze almost any type of food? It is even possible to freeze foods for up to six months in most cases. When meal prepping, why not take advantage of this?
10. Take a staycation or visit a cooler destination.
Consider taking a staycation during summer or traveling to a cooler destination, such as the beach or mountains, if you have the luxury of flexibility and resources. Make sure your calendar is free when you are researching and planning the trip, including accommodations, activities, and transportation.
Having a well-organized calendar will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation, away from the sweltering heat.
If you can’t get away, schedule a staycation. In this case, you could take off work and plan local activities. For instance, you could lounge by a local pool for the day or plan a day trip. You could also be a tourist in your hometown by exploring places you’ve never been. Or, you could just stay inside and read.
FAQs
Why is it important to beat the summer heat?
It is especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people who have chronic health conditions to be exposed to high temperatures. Mild heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are some of the heat-related illnesses that can occur. You and your loved ones can protect yourselves and their health from these serious risks by beating the heat/
What are some tips for beating the heat?
Here are some tips for beating the heat:
- Stay hydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink plenty of fluids. Water is best, but juice, sports drinks, or milk are also acceptable. You should avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. You will stay cooler if you wear clothes made from natural fibers, such as cotton and linen.
- Stay in the shade. Avoid the hottest part of the day if you must be outdoors, which is usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take advantage of a shady spot if possible.
- Take a cool bath or shower. You can cool off quickly this way.
- Use a fan or air conditioner. Cool your home with air conditioning if you have one. Keeping cool doesn’t require air conditioning. A fan will do the trick.
- Take breaks from activity. Cool down in the shade or indoors if you’re working or exercising outdoors.
- Check on your neighbors and loved ones. Ensure that everyone you know stays cool and hydrated, especially those who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
How can heat-related illness be detected?
A heat-related illness can present with different symptoms depending on its severity. Here are a few examples:
- Cramps caused by heat. A muscle cramp usually occurs in the legs or abdomen.
- Heat exhaustion. There are many symptoms associated with this illness, including heavy sweating, pale skin, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
- Heat stroke. Heat stroke can be life-threatening and is the most severe heat-related illness. A heat stroke is characterized by high body temperatures (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit), hot, dry skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
The following symptoms indicate the need to seek immediate medical attention.
What can I do to prevent heat-related illness?
To prevent heat-related illness, you should take steps to stay as cool as possible. In addition to staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and staying in the shade, you should also wear sunscreen. Also, make sure your neighbors and family members are staying hydrated and cool.
During outdoor exercise or work, take breaks to cool off in the shade or indoors. Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and wear loose-fitting clothing. You can cool off by taking a cool bath or shower if you start to feel hot. And, in the event of any of the signs of heat-related illness, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Image Credit: Photo by Anastasiia Chaikovska; Pexels; Thank you!
Deanna Ritchie
Editor-in-Chief at Calendar. Former Editor-in-Chief and writer at Startup Grind. Freelance editor at Entrepreneur.com. Deanna loves to help build startups, and guide them to discover the business value of their online content and social media marketing.