After a long winter, and a cool spring, we can finally start to anticipate summer and with it, some major relaxations in the rules containing the spread of Covid-19.
International holidays might be off the table for the time being, but so-called ‘staycations’, day trips and outdoor activities are looking like they’ll be available. If you’re feeling the strain of lockdown fatigue, it’s a good time to start planning for a more active, open summer.
That also means planning for some of the drawbacks that warmer weather brings with it. Today we’re taking a look at some of those to help you make your plans, and feel less concerned about those warm weather worries.
Dehydration
One of the big concerns of the summer is getting dehydrated, and it’s important not to treat this too lightly. Dehydration can affect your concentration levels and mood, cause headaches and muscle aches, and if it escalates, sickness, dizziness and unconsciousness!
Try and set reminders to drink, especially if the weather is hot, you’ve got young kids who are less careful about their wellbeing, and you’re out of your usual routine. If you’re concerned you or one of your family is getting dehydrated, there is a simple test for dehydration you can do there and then. Just pinch the skin on the back of your (or their) hand – not painfully, we should point out. If the skin springs quickly back into place, it’s likely well hydrated and you don’t have to worry immediately. If it’s slack and slow to return to normal, then it’s likely poorly hydrated!
If someone is dehydrated, then you need to think about more than simply giving them water. They’ve also lost lots of electrolytes – the soluble salts your body keeps dissolved in its water supplies. Keep some sports rehydration drinks, or soluble rehydration tablets or powders on hand to make sure you can recover as fast as possible.
Sleep
In a country that experiences more cold weather than hot, it can be very difficult to spend comfortable nights indoors in the hottest days of summer. Many people report difficulty sleeping, due to the hot weather, long hours of daylight and allergies like hayfever.
Plan in advance and you’ll be able to rest better this summer. It’s worth picking up fans and air-conditioning units now rather than waiting for demand to hit during a heatwave, and make sure you know how to use them effectively. Cool your room before you come to bed, rather than turning your fan on when you lie down to sleep. A cooler environment when you’re trying to sleep is more valuable than a noisy fan in the middle of the night!