Skip the cold showers: Counter-intuitive tips to survive extreme heat

As temperatures soar, common instincts for cooling down might be misleading. Experts are advising against the immediate urge for a cold shower, a practice that could paradoxically make the body overheat. Helsana, a health insurer, warns that icy blasts constrict blood vessels, slowing the body's natural cooling process.

Instead of a shock of cold water, the advice is to opt for lukewarm showers. The body interprets cold water as a signal to generate heat, counteracting the desired cooling effect. This counter-intuitive tip is part of a broader set of recommendations aimed at helping individuals cope with extreme heat.

Another common strategy, cross-ventilation, also requires adjustment during a heatwave. While open windows usually create a refreshing breeze, during intense heat, this can allow hot air to infiltrate homes. The recommendation is to seal off living spaces during the day by closing windows, shutters, and blinds to create a barrier against the external heat.

Effective cooling then shifts to nighttime. Once temperatures drop after sunset, opening windows can allow cooler air to circulate, providing much-needed relief. This strategy of sealing during the day and ventilating at night is crucial for maintaining a more comfortable indoor environment when the outside temperature is extreme.

“

Even if the temptation is great, give up cold showers, because they constrict your blood vessels and slow down the body's cooling. Cold water also signals your body that it needs to warm up. Therefore, prefer lukewarm showers.