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Commuting from one place to another during the summer is thus becoming tougher. It’s hot, your bodies get sweaty, there’s a bad odor coming, and you might even suffer a heat stroke.
Whether you’re a believer in Global Warming or not, you can’t but agree that the summers are getting hotter every year. Temperatures are continuously rising, and we’re having to deal with it.
Commuting from one place to another during the summer is thus becoming tougher. It’s hot, your bodies get sweaty, there’s a bad odor coming, and you might even suffer a heat stroke. Hence, in order to survive these tough summer commutes, here are 7 things you should do.
#1 Check the weather before going out
Don’t forget to check the weather before stepping foot outside of your house. One quick look at the temperature and humidity at your current location, and you’ll get a good idea of how you can prepare yourself. Also, check the forecast on your weather app. That way, you can prepare yourself accordingly.
#2 Wear light fabrics
Lightweight or breathable fabrics are very important for summer commutes. They allow your body to breathe, making it less sweaty in there. Light fabrics allow the wind and air to reach inside of the clothes and expel the warm air over there.
#3 Avoid heavy makeup and hair products
Heavy makeup and hair products can seal our skin pores. This prevents the sweat from escaping our bodies, and thus traps the heat (which was supposed to come out in the form of the sweat) within. As a result, you start to feel uncomfortable and even nauseated.
If you find that the weather is extremely hot, you should avoid these products. In case you can’t but apply a bit of makeup or hair cream, you should do it in small quantities.
#4 Have a refreshing drink of water every 30 minutes
The hot weather will completely dehydrate your body, especially if you’re under the sun for a very long period. As a result of this, your body will lose a lot of energy and fail to function properly. You’ll easily get tired and the lethargy will completely take over.
You mustn’t let the weather get hold of your body, especially by dehydrating it. For you to continue working without any problem, you need to consume a sip of water at least every 20-30 minutes. You can have this drink on your commutes so that by the time you reach your destination, you’re not dehydrated and can go about with your work as normal.
#5 Carry deodorant wipes
One of the worst things about commuting on a hot summer day is getting all sweaty. This thing is annoying, especially if you’re out to attend your office, classes, or a meeting. The sweat then leaves a really bad odor, which doesn’t go away that easily either.
This is why you should carry deodorant wipes. They’ll help you wipe the sweat off of your body, and keep you refreshed. Plus, they’ll take the bad odor away and keep you cool.
#6 Bring a fan with you
Given how hot summers are getting, even a normal fan wouldn’t suffice. If portable air-conditioning was more readily available, you could’ve gone with that option. However, for now, let’s stick to the fans.
You should carry a hand fan with you to fan yourself. If you want, you can also get one of those portable fans that are super fast, and easy to carry. They’re the same size as a pen and yet, they can keep you cool for a long time. These fans are powered by an external power source (mostly a portable power bank).
Carrying a fan may seem a bit over the top to you. However, when the heat starts getting to you, you’ll need this.
#7 Avoid direct contact with the sun
If you’re traveling on a bus or car, avoid sitting near the window through which you’re under direct contact with the sunlight. The same goes for if you’re standing at the bus stop, or simply walking to the office.
While exposure to sunlight is necessary for vitamin D, longer periods of exposure can lead to a few problems. For starters, such conditions can dehydrate your body a lot faster. You’ll start sweating bullets too. Afterward, you’re likely to feel nauseated. Your head will start spinning and hurting, and you’re going to feel as if you were about to have a heat stroke or collapse.
Thus, during such hot summer commutes, you should do whatever you can to stay away from direct contact with the sunlight. Shut the windows to cut the sunlight from accessing your car or the bus. If you’re walking on foot, consider taking a cool and shady route.
