Fight the heat

1 Drink More Water

Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink, because thirst is already a sign that your body is beginning to dehydrate. Rather than drinking a large amount of water all at once, sip water regularly throughout the day.

If you find plain water boring, add slices of fruit, vegetables or fresh herbs such as lemon, cucumber, mint, strawberries or melon. You can also "eat your water" by enjoying cold soups, salads, fresh vegetables and fruit salads. It's also a good idea to limit alcoholic beverages, as they contribute to dehydration.

2 Avoid Being Outdoors in Direct Sunlight

Whenever possible, avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day. If you do need to be outdoors, protect yourself with a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.

Even people with darker skin tones should protect themselves from the sun. While melanin provides some natural protection, it does not replace sunscreen.

Stay in the shade whenever you can. If you drive, consider using sunshades to keep your vehicle cooler. If you work outdoors, take more frequent breaks than usual, preferably in the shade or in a cool place.

3 Keep Your Home Cool

Turn on your air conditioner or fan to stay comfortable. If you're watching your budget, be mindful of your energy use, but don't let the heat make you miserable.

Keep your home cooler by closing your windows, drawing the curtains or blinds, and avoiding appliances that generate heat, such as the oven or clothes dryer.

If, despite taking these precautions, you still feel unbearably hot, don't hesitate to cool off in air-conditioned places such as libraries, shopping malls, movie theatres or any other air-conditioned public space.

4 Adjust Your Physical Activity

If you enjoy exercising outdoors, try to work out early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. The same applies to gardening, yard work, household chores or any other physically demanding activity.

If you're exercising indoors without air conditioning, reduce the intensity or duration of your workout. Listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and remember to drink water before, during and after physical activity.

5 Choose Activities That Are Better Suited to Hot Weather

Extremely hot days are not the best time for intense physical activities or running errands all day. Instead, choose activities that help you stay cool, such as visiting a museum, a library, a cave or any air-conditioned location.

This might also be one of the few times you'll truly enjoy taking a cool shower or a refreshing bath! If you have children, take them to the swimming pool or to a park with splash pads.

6 Keep a Facial Within Reach

A simple but refreshing trick is to keep a facial mist within easy reach. A few sprays can provide instant relief, especially when you're outdoors, riding public transit or spending time in a room without air conditioning. For an even more refreshing effect, store your facial mist in the refrigerator.