Many of us may have been longing for a heatwave all spring, especially with the never-ending rain and wind. But the reality is very different.

Us Brits aren’t so accustomed to hot weather, so when a heatwave does strike, negotiating everyday life can be a struggle.

There are many positives and negatives that go hand-in-hand with hot weather conditions. The increased heat however does more than take its toll on our physical wellbeing and performance. Our mental health can be tested by hot weather as WorldAtlas describes:

“Research has revealed that exposure to high temperatures over a sustained period of time can have a negative impact on the psychology of a person. It can induce psychological stress to an extent that affects the performance of the person.

Also, higher temperatures lead to lesser income as people are unable to devote sufficient time to work due to the heat-associated stress.”

British heatwaves are fleeting, a fact that makes keeping the negatives to a minimum and embracing the positives especially important.

Staying cool is your first step to enjoying all the perks of hotter weather and you can do just that with the following heatwave hacks.

Drink plenty of water

We’ll start with a simple yet effective tip that should be your go-to all year round, whatever the weather outside.

Staying hydrated is especially important during the summer months, when rising temperatures cause our bodies to lose fluids faster through functions like sweating. This lost fluid must be replaced to keep your body and mind running well.

When it comes to how much water you should drink in hot weather, we recommend going beyond the eight glass a day rule to escape the troubling symptoms of dehydration.

Eat well to stay cool

Water doesn’t have to come from your choice of drinks alone. Avoiding salty foods in favour of water-rich ingredients, like fresh fruit and vegetables, will increase your water intake without you even realising!

You should also avoid alcohol during a heatwave due to its dehydrating effects.

Cool off with a warm shower

Whilst you may be tempted to take an ice-cold shower to cope with those heatwave-induced sweats, upping the temperature provides a better solution.

Cold showers actually shock the body, causing it to trigger a response that preserves heat. Warm showers on the other hand reduce your body’s core temperature leaving you feeling cooler for so much longer.

Keep cool at home

When you’re not out and about catching some rays, make your home a cool, calm place to spend your time.

Keep those curtains or blinds closed, even in rooms that you’re not using to ensure an ambient temperature.

You should also resist the urge to open up all your windows. This will let heat in, causing temperatures to rise quickly.

If you are going to open a window during the hot weather, place a fan in front of it to improve the flow of cold air throughout the room.

Having a break from using appliances like ovens and dryers is another must during a heatwave. Instead opt for lighter, cooler meals that can be prepared easily without heat, such as salads and sandwiches.

Staying sun safe should also be a top priority, whether you’re enjoying the warmer weather from your back garden or heading to a local green space.

Read our top ways to stay sun safe for further advice.