I live in Arizona. Definitely one of the hottest place on Earth. Here for 3 months we have extremely dry and hot weather. It is so hot that it is absolutely not advisable to stay outdoor for longer period.
I have learnt some ideas in past years which will help you survive the summer not only in Arizona but any other place in the world.
Rule #1: Keep Hydrated
The summer heat is brutal for our bodies. To accomodate the external temperature our body loses lots of fluid. Which causes our body to be dehydrated. Normally when our body cells need fluid and its not enough in our intercellular cappilarries , our brain triggers the feeling to intake fluid. That feeling is thirst. We respond to that feeling normally by drinking water. In regular condition that is fine. But in weather like Arizona summer, it is better not to wait till you feel super thirsty. Rather keep taking small sips of water frequently.
Rule#2:Keep Ionized
Ions are critical components of our body. The chemicals and body fuels get trabsported witgin our body fro one place to another riding/getting attached to the ions. With loss of ions our body will not be able to supply requured components ro the cells.
As a result,
The ions are present in body fluid. When for excessive heat we get de-hydrated along with fluids we lose the ions also. So drinking water alone will not help our body revive , we should have proper minerals too.
There are lots of drinks available which will have all required ions. Some natural drinks are Coconut water, Lemonade , other fruit juices etc.
Rule3#: Stay Under Shade
There is nothing better than staying under shade in the scorching heat in Arizona summer. Until unless absolutely emergency it is advisable to stay under nice shade.
Try not to go under direct sun light. If going always use a good Sunscreen.
Rule#4: Workout in early Morning
Most of us do workout daily. Hitting gym is a routine part of our daily life. While most of us prefer hitting gym at the start of the day, some still prefer doing it at the end of the day or at night. During hot summer, please try to finish your workout or any other heavy physical work in the early morning.
Rule#5: Take good rest and sleep
The constant adapting with the extreme outside weather, our body loses not-only fluid and ions but also lots of energy. So proper rest is very important. So whenever you are getting time, sleep well.
Rule#6: Eat lots of seasonal fruits
The summer fruits are meant to survive in hot summer. So it has all required chemicals that will help your body to survive the summer. So try eating lots and lots of seasonal local fruits. Some fruits which are really good for summer in Arizona are
- Mangoes
- Dragon Fruits
- Kiwis
- Cucumber
- Water-Melons
- Lyches
- Cherry
If you follow the above 6 basic rules, you will be safe in host summer like the one in Arizona. Below I am giving list of few food and drinks
Food and Drinks
a. Eat light foods. Mainly which are low on fat and cream. Eats lots of fruits.
b. Eat the above listed seasonal fruits.
c. Drink smoothies and juices. – These will give you lots of Ions and fibres.
d. Drink Lassi – Try to drink salted lassi instead of sweet lassi. But if you are dehydrated too much due to sweating , you can have sweet lassi. Not Sure how to make Lassi? Read this fantastic book on what is lassi and how to make lassi.
Wear light colored clothes and comfortable dresses.
These tips are not only for Arizona, as I said for any part of the world where you face a tough summer, you can utilize these tips. Please note the seasonal fruits are different in each locality, so you just have the seasonal local fruit.
