السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
It’s that time of the year where the South African sun seems to be burning hotter than ever.
Here are some tips to beat this summer’s heatwave.
1. Keep Hydrated!
Yes.. I know we’ve heard this over and over, however… its the best drink for us.
Insulated bottles are the highly recommended, no matter the season, as they keep your drinks hot or cold, depending on your needs.
Is drinking plain water hard for you?
Consider using water enhancer drops? These flavour water, have zero calories and can be added to both still or sparkling water.
Alternatively, add cucumber slices, lemon slices or various fruits of your choice to an infusion bottle.
Chilled coconut water is excellent for sipping as it not only hydrates but also increases your electrolytes.
2. Keep Cool
Keeping out of the sun is probably what’s best for us, however, who could resist spending the day outside, albeit in the shade during the hottest hours of the day?
Dressing in cool, somewhat baggy clothes are a must for any modest lady, especially during this heat. Sameeras or kaftans are ideal for throwing on, as they are long, flowy cotton or linen dresses.
Be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses, and as for footwear, I am definitely not wearing anything other than flats and sandals throughout these heatwave days.
3. A Good Fan / Air Cooler/ Air Conditioner Is A Great Investment!
We’ve been rather fortunate having acquired a great fan and a seperate air cooler in the last few years.
I have found Logic to be a great brand, as the stand fan that we have, is one I acquired years before getting married and it’s still going strong 7 years into being married. It’s powerful enough on the first setting alone and its easy to clean.
An air cooler is also a great investment. It works with water and keeps the air cool and hydrated, unlike an air conditioner that dries out the air. Its also portable, which is a great help when you’re working in different areas of your home or apartment.
4. Skin Care
Heat in any form does end up taking a toll on our skin, and so does any form of cooled air.
I find using products containing hyaluronic acid have become a great help in retaining moisture in my skin.
Another must, is using SPF. In these sweltering days, one could burn easily and as recommended by dermatologists, the use of an SPF is highly needed.
A misting spray is also one of my favourite ways to hydrate my skin ‘on – the – go’, as well as at home.
5. Be Kind To Yourself & Those Around You
We all feel the effects of the hot summer sun.
Feeling lethargic is definitely one I struggle with and I’m thankful for it some days when I get to nap.
Don’t feel guilty for taking a nap, or ‘siesta‘.
Islamically, it’s a Sunnah to have a nap after Zuhr Salaah.
Every one of us is going to experience the effects of this heat, so please be kind to yourself and to those around you, especially the elderly, kids and pets.
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
