To cope with the heat of the dry season, many Filipinos go to the beach. There, they typically engage in different water activities like swimming, kayaking, surfing, and jet skiing. With the many beaches in the Philippines, you’ll surely find a great place to relax and cool off.
However, being near the water doesn’t make you immune to the harmful effects of the sun’s heat. You still need to take care of yourself, so your body temperature doesn’t get too high and you don’t get dehydrated. Be more mindful and find ways to keep cool so you won’t experience heatstroke, heat sickness, and other heat-related conditions.
If you want to ensure you have a great time at the beach, here are a few reminders:
Drink Plenty of Water
While spending a day at the beach can be a lot of fun, make sure to get out of the sun once in a while to drink water. Staying hydrated helps maintain good blood circulation and keep your body temperature at ideal levels. It also supports digestion, lubricates joints, and protects vital organs. If you don’t have enough water in your body, you may experience symptoms like muscle cramps, thirst, and fatigue—all of which can make your beach trip unpleasant. Dehydration can also make you feel lightheaded, lose your appetite, or develop kidney stones.
To avoid any medical problems, start your day at the beach by drinking a cup of water. During mealtimes, have another glass before you eat. After you engage in physical activities like swimming, kayaking, or surfing, drink another couple of cups. Also, regularly consume water throughout the day.
Set Reminders for When to Drink
If you often forget to drink water during the day, consider setting an alarm or notification on your phone or other smart gadgets as reminders. You can set the timer to go off every hour to remind you that you need to have a drink.
Alternatively, you can bring a water bottle to serve as a visual reminder to stay hydrated. There are certain water bottles that have markings to track how much water you’ve consumed or the time of day you need to have a drink. Regardless of what you choose, these reminders can help you stay hydrated while at the beach.
Stay in the Shade
When you’re not having fun in the water, stay in a shaded area. Many resorts have cottages, canopies, and beach umbrellas set up where guests can relax. Take advantage of these amenities because they’re there for your comfort and convenience. If there are large trees by the beach, you can also set your beach mats or towels under them and enjoy the natural shade.
Take a Break from the Fun
As much as you may have fun engaging in different water activities, remember to take a break. Particularly, retreat indoors between noon and three in the afternoon.
During this time, the heat is at its peak and can make you more susceptible to heat stroke. Instead of spending all day outdoors, consider taking a long lunch break and letting your body cool down. You may also want to use this time to take a midday nap and recharge. By the time the sun is about to set, it will be cool enough to have more fun outdoors.
Eat Small Meals
After engaging in different activities, you might feel very hungry. Indeed, having fun outdoors can work up your appetite. Although it’s best to eat when you’re hungry so you can replenish your energy, it’s best to slow down when you’re eating.
Consuming large portions of food, especially all at once, requires your digestive system to work hard to process everything. This can warm up your body considerably. That said, it may be better to have light bites throughout the day instead of full meals. It will feel lighter on the belly and make it easier for your body to stay cool.
Consume Foods with High Water Content
Another way you can stay cool and hydrated while at the beach is to eat foods with high water content. For example, you can snack on watery fruits, like watermelons, cantaloupes, pineapples, and pears. Also, consider taking advantage of the abundant coconut trees in the Philippines. Most likely, nearby restaurants and food shops sell fresh coconut juice you can drink straight from the husk.
Additionally, eat dishes that include vegetables with high water content. Spinach, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, and turnips are just some of the foods that can help you stay hydrated.
Pack Cooling Items
Aside from the beach essentials like towels and sunscreen, remember to pack items you can use to keep you cool. One of them is a hat. For the ladies, broad-brimmed sun or straw hats offer excellent sun protection. For men, fedoras, caps, and fisherman hats are great options. Also, bring a portable electric fan. You’ll be thankful that you did when it gets too hot.
While you’re having fun and cooling off by the beach, make sure you’re also taking steps to maintain your body temperature. Keep these tips in mind on your next beach trip. They will certainly help you stay healthy and have a pleasant experience.
