Surviving the Heatwave – A Fat Person's Guide to Staying Cool ☀️
It's hot, it's sticky and some of us are melting... so let's help each other out!
It's especially hot here in the UK at the moment and let's be honest, heatwaves can be uncomfortable for everyone. As fat people though we often have a few extra challenges when the temperatures start climbing. Whether it's feeling sticky, overheating more quickly, struggling to sleep, or just generally feeling uncomfortable in our own skin, the heat can be a lot!!! Especially if you don't have AC!!!!
So I thought it would be useful to put together a community thread full of tips and tricks to help us all stay cool and comfortable. Feel free to add your own suggestions below as well. The best advice often comes from people who have already figured out what works for them... so please share your tried and tested tips for dealing with the heat!
Eat MORE Ice Cream 🍦
A silly suggestion because I am silly!!! But honestly who needs an excuse? Ice cream is delicious, and it really can help you feel a bit cooler when the heat hits!
Stay Hydrated 💧
This one sounds obvious but it's probably the most important. Keep a water bottle topped up throughout the day and if possible keep one in the fridge so you've always got cold water ready to go.
Ice Packs Are Your Friend ❄️
Ice packs can be brilliant for cooling down but make sure not to put them directly against your skin as they can cause ice burns. Wrap them in a tea towel or pillowcase and place them on pulse points like your wrists, neck, or ankles.
The Frozen Hot Water Bottle Trick 🛏️
Fill an old fashioned rubber hot water bottle with water and freeze it during the day. At night you can put it in your bed before you get in or keep it nearby to help cool you down while you're trying to sleep.
Keep a Cooling Spray Bottle Nearby 🌿
This one is one of my personal favorites...Fill a small spray or misting bottle with cold water and keep it in the fridge. Whenever you're feeling too warm give yourself a quick spritz. Some people also like adding a few drops of essential oils. I personally use mint which feels especially refreshing and cool.
Regular Cold Showers and Cool Baths 🚿
Sometimes there's no substitute for cooling your whole body down. You don't need the water to be freezing cold either. A cool shower can help lower your body temperature and make you feel much more comfortable for a while afterwards.
Portable Fans Can Be Worth Their Weight in Gold 🌀
If you can get hold of one, a desk fan or portable rechargeable fan can make a huge difference. A fan pointed at a bowl of ice can also create a surprisingly effective DIY cooling system. I have a fan that is handless that goes roudn my neck, sort of looks like headphones so I can use it hands free!
Wear Whatever Makes You Comfortable 👕
Whether that's something loose and floaty that covers more skin or shorts and a vest, wear what feels right for you. Light and breathable clothing tend to be more comfortable in hot weather and lighter colours absorb less heat than darker colours. Most importantly, don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't wear because of your size. Also chub rub shorts can be a life saver in this weather as it the heat can defiantly cause friction between the thighs.
Take it Easy🪑
If you need to run errands or get jobs done try to do them in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower rather than during the hottest part of the day. Make sure you're taking regular breaks, sitting down when you need to and not pushing yourself too hard.
Skin Protection Is a Must 🧴
Seriously folks, don't skip the sunscreen! Even when it's cloudy the UV levels can still be high. Protect your skin and reapply throughout the day if you're spending time outside.
A Few More Tips for the House 🏠
* Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
* Open windows in the evening when the temperature starts to drop.
Those are some suggestions but we'd love to hear yours!
What are your favourite fat person heatwave survival tips? What little tricks have you discovered over the years that help you stay cool, comfortable, and sane when the weather decides to turn into the Mediterranean for a week?
Share them below and let's help each other out!
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