Beat the Summer Heat

It has been extremely warm here in the Netherlands, or at the very least to Dutch standards. And I can tell you that 35 degrees in the Netherlands somehow manages to feel so much warmer than 35 degrees in, say, France or Spain. 

I have had to pull all of my tools out to beat this Summer heat. I may not be the best person to write this post since I don’t tend to handle heat well, but then, maybe that is exactly why I should be writing this post. So here are some of my best tips to help you stay cool and if maybe not exactly comfortable, then at least make it manageable. 

WHAT TO WEAR| cool and light fabrics

Son de Flor classic skirt ink rose

Daughters of India Kyra dress jade

Wear cool and light fabrics. Preferably natural fabrics like linens and cottons. These are not only breathable but are also able to absorb more moisture without it feeling wet, especially linen is a natural wonder at this. I also like to choose loser fitting clothes. Flowy silhouettes are what I prefer when it’s hot outside. Less to touch the body and it allows for more, much needed, airflow.

WHAT TO DRINK| refreshing drinks

When it’s so warm it is important to make sure you drink enough water. And yes, water is preferable but sometimes also a little boring, especially if you drink it all day long. So here are some tips for drinks that will actually cool down your system. One of my favorites and one I have already shared before is my Pink Drink. It’s a bit more work then the other options I will share with you but so worth it. Just mix up equal parts watermelon and water and add in some mint to taste. And while it’s tempting, don’t drink it iced. I will be the first to admit that I love an iced drink. But the big difference in temperature will only make you feel more hot when the drink is gone. And iced drinks are also not so great for your digestion. 

An easier way to add some interest to your water is to add some mint, lime or rose.

Or any combination of them. This is a super easy way to spice things up without, well, actually adding any spice. Rose, mint and lime will also help you to cool down your system. So not only delicious but the added benefit of some extra cooling powers. If you want the supercharged version, make them into a tea. And you can, like I prefer to do, just let the tea cool down to room temperature before drinking it. Also make sure to use lime instead of lemon. According to Ayurveda, lime is a cooling fruit while lemon is more heating to the body. 

WHAT TO EAT| lot's of herbs

To stay on the topic of food and drinks a little longer, add lots of herbs. Spices tend to add more heat, herbs are more cooling and of course just plain delicious. Green herbs like parsley, koriander and, again, mint, are especially good to enjoy in the heat.

How to have those herbs? Well you can add them to any meal but a super simple way to enjoy them is to make them into a simple cucumber salad. Not much needed here, just cut your cucumber into the desired size, add you herbs and maybe sprinkle it with some lime juice or zest. Done is your super refreshing salad. 

WHAT TO DO| into the shade

Last but not least, go outside, and not in the sun. Try to find shaded spots. If you have a garden, enjoy it. My favorite option is to go into the forest, which always feels the most cooling and refreshing but also a park. Also ideally go in the morning, the earlier the better. This is when it isn’t quite as hot out yet and the sun not as strong. Whatever you do, definitely avoid the sun when it’s at its peak, usually between 11 am and 2 pm.

Those were some of my best tips to help you beat the summer heat. If you have any good tips, please share them in the comments so we can keep expanding our personal summer toolbox. For now, good luck with the next steps on your bridge and I wish you all the happiness and an amazing rest of your day.

❤ Eva