Tips for Staying Cool This Summer

Summer can feel overwhelmingly hot during all phases of life, but pregnancy and menopause can take that discomfort to new levels. Pregnancy causes the body’s temperature to rise and menopause often involves hot flashes. So, women in these stages may already be feeling the heat before stepping into the summer sun.

First and foremost, it is important to remember to take the sun and summer heat seriously and to have safe habits when going outside. This includes wearing sunscreen, avoiding the hottest parts of the day and staying indoors when the temperatures are dangerously high. But, even when we practice summer sun safety, we can still find ourselves feeling uncomfortably hot. So, we gathered a few tips for staying cool that you can use no matter what phase of life you are in.

Hydrate: When you are pregnant, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and make sure you are replenishing electrolytes, especially if you are sweating heavily. This can also be helpful if you are going through menopause because drinking enough water during the day can help regulate your body’s temperatures.

Dress for Success: Wear clothes that are lightweight and breathable. While stripping down may seem like the easiest way to find relief from the heat, clothes are important in protecting against heat rash and sun burn.

Adapted Exercising: Try to exercise during cooler times of the day if you are working out outdoors. Or, move your workout into an air-conditioned space for the season in order to avoid overheating. For those going through menopause, exercising itself may even help you stay cooler in the long run. Working out may help reduce your stress and weight, both of which can contribute to hot flashes.

Practice Your Breathing: Did you know your breathing patterns can help cool down your body? Practice breathing exercises to make sure you are making the most out of this built-in skill while pregnant. Similarly to exercising, breathing exercises can also help you relax, easing the stress triggers of menopausal symptoms.

Treat With Water: Applying a damp cool washcloth and misting your face with water can provide relief. Drinking cold water or splashing it on your face during a hot flash can also help cool you down in the moment.

It is important to remember, if you are feeling overheated outside, the first thing you should do is remove yourself from the situation, and seek out a cooler place, like an air-conditioned room or car. If you are experiencing strong symptoms, be sure to also bring them up to your doctor at your next visit.