Phew! Hasn't it been hot?

With more heatwaves predicted and hotter summers becoming the norm, we all need safe and comfortable ways to keep cool and carry on (beyond sitting in darkness in front of a fan!)

However, this can be easier said than done when the temperature makes the idea of leaving the house or doing anything remotely active feel like a hefty chore.

Nonetheless, summer should be an enjoyable time of year, and we've put together some handy hints to handle the heat without getting hot under the collar, including:

Making mornings matter
Getting close to water
Heading for the trees

Staying cool indoors

Travelling without melting

Whatever your reason to beat the heat - working from home, entertaining the family, having some personal downtime - you’ll find something here to keep you cool.

Make mornings matter

The mornings are the coolest hours of the day, so it makes sense to get the most from them. And if you’ve never thought of yourself as a morning person, the right schedule can really change things up.

Give yourself the best chance of a good night’s sleep. Have a glass of water an hour before bedtime, keep alcohol intake to a minimum, and cool your bedroom down.

If you’re in bed by around 10 pm, you’ll get 8 hours of rest and be refreshed for sunrise. Sleep with the curtains open so you wake up to daylight rather than darkness.

Go outside. Early morning is the perfect time to go for a walk, water plants, enjoy your garden, or prepare it to sell—a dazzling outdoor space is a valuable selling point.

You don't have to hide indoors, and there are a good few hours every morning to enjoy the sunlight while it’s pleasantly warm, giving yourself a really great start to the day.

Get close to water

Being in or near water is an invigorating way to lower your body temperature. From a gentle breeze to a refreshing dip, nature’s own cooling system is the perfect remedy to sweltering heat.

The coast is usually cooler and breezier than inland during the day, as cooler, heavier air rushes in from the sea.

Find a shady riverbank, canal, pond or lake - even if it’s not practical to swim, you can always dip your toes in for an energising tingle.
Local indoor pools are a haven out of the sun. Lidos can also be fun at the beginning of the day, but they might get a bit too much later in the day if there’s no shade.

Finally, back at home, a cool shower can really lower your body temperature. But don’t make it too cold, or you’ll trigger your body into actively warming up, putting you back to square one!

Head for the trees

When it comes to spending time outdoors while keeping out of the sun, the shade beneath a tree is far cooler than a pavement in the shadow of a building.

Paving slabs, tarmac, concrete and bricks absorb huge amounts of solar energy all day, then radiate it outwards, and you can feel the heat coming off them even out of direct sunlight.

Trees, meanwhile, actively lower the surrounding air temperature as the water vapour from their leaves evaporates, while their porous canopies allow a breeze to flow through.

From working remotely with a laptop, to enjoying a good book, or keeping your kids cool and protected while playing outside, parks and forests are the perfect destination.

As an extra bonus, nature is proven to lower cortisol levels and boost your mood, so as well as escaping the heat, you’re actively investing in your own well-being.

Stay cool indoors

If you're going to be indoors when it's hot outside, you want an environment that’s cool and comfortable, whether you’re staying in during the day or heading out.

Finding a public space with air conditioning makes a lot of sense, and most libraries, galleries, and museums are a comfortable temperature.

Shopping centres are more than just a retail experience, with cinemas to catch a summer blockbuster, and all manner of entertainment and play areas for every age group.
Not leaving the house? Let cooler air in by opening windows at night, then closing them in the morning before it gets hot. Close any curtains or blinds in sun-facing rooms.

So even if it’s too hot to spend too long outside, there are still plenty of options to have a varied summer of interesting experiences.

Travel without melting

Unless you're making a journey in the air-conditioned comfort of a car, you'll need to deal with the heat on the street or on public transport.

So, as well as layering up on sunscreen and wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, there are a few easy steps you can take to keep cool and comfortable while you’re moving around outside.

Taking public transport? Check the route beforehand to see the direction of travel, then plan to sit on the side of the bus or train away from the sun. Pop a portable mini fan in your bag.

Walking around? Take a UV umbrella. They create a cooling personal microclimate beneath the canopy, block out 99% of UV rays, and don't mess up your hair.

Take supplies with you, from a refillable water bottle to hydrating fruits like tangerines, strawberries, watermelon slices, or pineapple chunks.

Finally, wherever you're off to, give yourself plenty of time. Rushing is a great way to end up in a stressy, dishevelled mess, so allow enough extra minutes for your journey to walk more slowly and relax.

How are you handling the heat?

We hope you've found plenty of inspiration to beat the heat and enjoy a summer cooldown, whether you’re staying at home in the Wilton or Salisbury area or getting out in the neighbourhood.

And if you’re selling this summer, you can create a refreshing retreat for buyers with our Viewings on Hot Days blog or say hello at 01722 580059 or info@piccoloproperty.co.uk for some no-strings, expert advice.