Beating The July Heat When Working Outside

Poppy only stays outside for a little bit in this crazy heat.

I wish it was easier working out in the heat of summer but it's just not-not anymore than it is working out in the cold but I'll take the heat over the cold any day. When it gets in the 90's temp wise and the humidity is crazy high it can be all out dangerous to work outside if you don't have a plan or strategy to cope.

I don't know if I really have a strategy but taking frequent breaks is at the top my list-even if it means only being able to work for 15 minutes at a time. If you don't take the time to take a break your body will do it for you and you may find yourself on the way to the hospital. When I was in my mid 20s I got way too hot in the July sun and soon found myself on a couch for about 2 hours, headache, sick to my stomach and just a general feeling of not feeling well. That little experience made it really difficult for me to spend any amount of time out in the heat without feeling yucky. Fast forward over 20 years later and I have learned the importance of those breaks. You may not be able to get as much done but if you have a heat stroke you will get nothing done if it doesn't kill you first.

Drinking plenty of water is also at the top of my list. The sweat will dehydrate your body much quicker than you realize when you are out working in the hot summer sun so replenishing that liquid is a must. There are many options but I feel like good ole fashioned water is best.

I can't belive I almost forgot to mention the use of sunscreen. I am sometimes not the best role model for this but I do feel sun protection is important. Wear a hat, longsleeved shirt, pants-cover all the exposed skin to keep your risk of sunburn to a minimum. Sunburns are never a good thing and they always ruin a good time! A new thing I purchased this year is a neck wrap and soaks up water and helps keep you cool in the summer sun-it helps tremendously. And it's never a bad idea to keep a handkerchief with you to catch that sweat.

If you are able it might be best to complete needed yard work in the morning or late afternoon when the sun it not as hot. Even stretching the work over several days doing a bit at a time will help as well.

Using these tips will help you complete needed yard work in this hot summer sun and help keep you safe as well. Good luck and stay cool!