Keeping Cool in the Heat

Gurls, have you noticed? It’s getting hot! We’re now experiencing ninety degree plus temps with stifling humidity hovering heavily in the air. Summer has officially landed and I’m perspiring just posting about it! How about at your home? Are you melting yet? It isn’t like I didn’t know summer was coming or that it would be hot, it just seemed to show up overnight and caught me off guard. The heat is such a contrast to the lovely spring weather we’ve been having. The cool, wet spring has the flowers and foliage looking so lush and rich with their vibrant colors. I wasn’t expecting to feel the heat so soon. Now I’m focused on staying cool. It’s a real feat to beat the heat.

Don’t Be Deterred

Usually, I can’t wait for spring and summer. I love being outside with my hands in the dirt, soaking in the warmth and breathing the fresh air. The funny thing is, nature is summoning us outside to our seasonal chores and fun in the sun and it’s hotter than jalapeno seeds. Even for those of us who can’t wait to get outside, the extreme heat can be a harsh deterrent.   

It’s tough to stay motivated and venture outside to clean the porch, refurbish furniture, prune bushes, plant gardens, or water, mow and weed when you’re sweltering and sweating. Summer’s heat can drain every drop of energy we have and can be dangerous if we’re not cautious. Too much or too little heat can cause damage.

However, we need not be deterred. People and plants need a healthy amount of sun to survive and thrive. Thankfully, God gives us warning signs to know when enough sun is enough. We sweat and get thirsty or may start burning, get dehydrated or have a heat stroke. Plants’ leaves turn yellow, dry up and fall off, or the flowers fade and wilt. Nature requires the heat of summer so how can we work in it without succumbing to it?

Stay Safe

What can we do to stay safe and keep things thriving and productive? Simply…take care and perform healthy habits. Here are some reminders of basic tips we may know:

• Work early in the morning or early evening.
• Wear protective clothing—light layers, a hat, and gloves.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated.
• Work in the shade when possible.
• Keep a cool rag handy to wipe sweat or apply to neck.
• Take breaks. If you feel you can’t continue…don’t.

We can also keep our homes warmer in the summer to condition ourselves to transition from inside to outside without suffocating and suffering as much.

God created us to work outside and survive the heat. We just have to be careful, pace ourselves, pay attention to the weather forecast, and prepare accordingly. We don’t have to give up going outside. We can prepare ahead, pour a large glass of ice cold sun tea, slice a piece of watermelon, and make keeping cool in the heat fun.

Bring It Home

How are you staying cool this summer?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC