Feeling uncomfortably hot due to the soaring temperatures in the UK and the US heatwave is totally understandable. As humans evolved for tropical climates, working in such heat can be challenging. According to Professor Mike Tipton from the Extreme Environments Institute at the University of Portsmouth, our bodies were not designed for physical labor or office work in such hot conditions.
To stay cool during the heatwave, apart from the obvious tips like staying hydrated, seeking shade, and closing curtains, here are four science-backed techniques to help you beat the heat.
1. Cool your hands first, not your face
Cooling your face with a fan might seem instinctual, but immersing your hands in cold water for 15-20 minutes can be a more effective way to cool down. This method helps in dissipating heat from your body as your blood flows through your hands, providing quicker relief than cooling your face.
2. Avoid cold showers
Contrary to popular belief, taking cold showers is not the ideal way to cool down during extreme heat. Immersing too much of your body in cold water reduces blood circulation to the skin, hindering the cooling process. Opt for lukewarm showers instead to maintain adequate blood flow to your skin and regulate your body temperature effectively.
3. Choose hot drinks
Drinking hot beverages can actually help cool you down faster than cold water by triggering mechanisms like sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. While hydrating with water at any temperature is beneficial, hot drinks activate these cooling responses more effectively.
4. Let the wind blow to encourage sweating
Using a fan to create airflow and encourage sweat evaporation can be more helpful than just focusing the fan on your face. The wind aids in evaporating sweat from your body, facilitating the cooling process during extreme heat conditions. Natural air movement or non-electric fans can be effective in promoting sweat evaporation and overall cooling.
About our experts
Mike Tipton, a Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, has extensive research experience in thermoregulation, environmental physiology, and occupational health. With over 40 years of work in survival and thermal medicine consulting for the RAF and UKSport, Tipton is a leading expert in the field.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
