How to survive the summer heat in Dubai
Dubai! The one place in the world where you have ATMs that dispense gold instead of just money, where you have an indoor ski slope and an indoor rain forest. But the one thing that can baffle anyone beyond even these man-made feats is the summer heat.
Not much can be said about the heat in Dubai that hasn’t already been said. Unlike what most non-citizens consider heat back in their home countries, Dubai heat is very different and can be dry, grubby and interminable. At the height of summer, during the months from May through August, temperatures are often above 40° but there are many days when the temperature can hover around the 48° mark!
Luckily, for those living in or planning to visit Dubai, most places are air-conditioned to keep tourists and residents comfortably cool and hydrated. However, if you are an unfortunate soul forced to spend your summer outdoors, we have our tips to help you survive the scorching heat.
Tip #1: When it comes to clothes, the more skin you can cover, the better
Surprised? We were too! Contrary to popular belief wearing sleeveless tops and shorts are not your friends during the summer. The more skin you expose, the greater moisture you lose from it in a very short period. Choose loose comfortable clothing in lightweight and light-colored fabrics to counter the effects of the heat.
Tip #2: Make water your new best friend
And we don’t mean any form of liquid libation. During summer, no other liquid can take water’s place. Make sure to always carry water with you, even if for a short ride from your home to your destination. The best way to drink water is to take small sips at regular intervals rather than gulping it all down.
Tip #3: Eat smaller meals more regularly
Ever wondered why you feel less hungry during hot weather? This is your body’s natural reaction to high temperature. The bigger the meal, the more energy the body needs to spend to digest it, making you feel more lethargic. If you want to be active despite the heat eat fewer, lighter meals at regular intervals. Cold soups, salads, plenty of fresh veggies and fruits are all excellent summer foods and will give your body the nutrition it needs without draining its digestive energy.
Counterintuitive as it sounds, in summer you should eat spicy food. Research shows that eating spicy foods increases circulation and makes the body perspire, helping to keep the body temperature down.
Tip #4: Enjoy a lukewarm shower
You may be tempted to take a cold shower to rapidly decrease your body heat, but this will just cause your body to produce more heat later. Instead choose lukewarm water for your shower to effectively regulate your body temperature.
Tip #5: Use cool compresses
Need a quick cool down? To cool down fast, apply ice packs or cold compresses to pulse points at the wrists, neck, elbows, ankles, and behind the knees.
Tip #6: Use sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a decent SPF and reapply diligently to ensure that you remain protected from harmful UV rays which can cause skin irritation and rashes, wrinkles, fine lines and premature aging. Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on hot days may even lead to skin cancer so invest in a good sunscreen and carry it with you wherever you go.
Tip #7: Turn off the lights
Light bulbs give off heat. Luckily for you, summer means it stays light until late evening. Make the most use of natural light and use lights minimally after dark.
Tip #8: Eat cold foods
Summer is a good excuse to keep your stove switched off. This is a great time to indulge in cool, room-temperature dishes to avoid generating any more heat in the house.
Tip #9: Turn off the tech at night
Don’t just turn them off, literally disconnect your electronics to reduce the extent of summer heat. Gadgets and other small appliances give off heat, even when switched off. Reduce total heat in the house by keeping appliance unplugged when not in use.
Read about more great tips for your home on our blog.
Contact PropertyePortal for verified cleaning services and great offers.
Written and published by Propertyeportal Editorial Team.