For people who live in tropical countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, they are no stranger to hot weather. Part of the reason is that Planet Earth as we know today is constantly exposed to pollution and results in major issues such as the release of greenhouse gases, the thinning of the ozone layer, global warming etc.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, most of the countries have had lockdown regulations and people are forced to work from home. In this case, hot weather can really be a demotivating factor in affecting work performance. To top it all off, our bodies are more susceptible to sickness during hot days like this.
Hence, we need to take action to take good care of bodies so that we won’t fall sick easily, especially during this pandemic. First of all, we need to stay hydrated regularly. Hot weather will definitely make you sweat more than usual. In order to replenish the fluids lost, we need to drink lots of water throughout the day.
Next step we can take is to stay in the shade. When the weather is too hot to bear, especially during midday when the sun’s heat is at its peak, it’s best to take precautions if you’re heading outdoors such as applying sunblock lotion, using an umbrella and staying out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
We should also take care of our diet during extremely hot days. Certain food and drinks can cause you to dehydrate faster than usual, e.g. high protein food, caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages etc. It is best to keep those out of your diet if you don’t want to suffer from dehydration. Keep in mind that we shouldn’t overeat too, because your body will release more heat burning those calories.
Another method to survive a hot day is to dress light. We can wear clothes that are loose-fitting and lightweight, preferably made of cotton since it will keep you cool and absorb moisture. Avoid wearing dark-coloured and tight clothing.
If you are staying indoors most of the time, it is advisable to moderate your room temperature. You can do this by using the air conditioner, setting it to a lower temperature to cool your room. However, if you’re concerned about your electricity bill, set it to the highest comfortable temperature possible. Besides using the A/C, it is wise to close your curtains and avoid sunlight from entering your room too.
On the other hand, you can consider minimizing the effects of sunlight on your roof by hiring a roofing contractor that does metal roof installation. This will help lower the temperature of your house tremendously because metal roofing reflects sunlight and UV rays.
Research shows that applying cold water on your skin can also help regulate body temperature. If this doesn’t help, take a cold shower. Last but not least, remember to stay calm and rest well. If you’re anxious or impatient about the weather, it will definitely feel hotter than it is supposed to.
