How to beat the Namibian Heat

Now that summer has officially arrived, and the festive season is upon us, it is time to start focusing on the real problems…how to beat this heat.

Now we have all experienced the moment where we are absolutely certain that the sun is out to get us. Thankfully there are a few clever ways, or rather hacks, to survive the heat and make this weather bearable. So let’s get to it.

• First off, drink lots of water! This is crucial, as you lose a lot of water on hot days through your sweat glands. Keeping hydrated is essential to keep your body healthy.

• Avoid hot foods. We all know that when it is hot outside, we don’t feel very hungry, so opt for cooler foods and snacks, like summer salads and cold soups. And of course the braai, we will never give up a braai. What also works like a tasty charm is freezing fruit! A healthy, icy snack and it can double as ‘ice’ in your drink!

• We don’t all have air-conditioning units in our homes, so to keep cool you can optimise your windows! It’s rather simple, drape a damp towel over an open window and open an opposing window to create a steady airflow through the house with a cool touch to the breeze.
• Unfortunately this only works when there is an actual breeze that is blowing. A clever hack that has been presented recently, is to get into a duvet cover (yes, actually get into it) and attach the edges of the fabric to a fan with washing pegs. This created a cool little bubble of air that does not disappear into the room but is rather focused on you.

• And those stifling nights, where you cannot fall asleep because it is just too hot… put your sheets in the fridge. Obviously the crisp, cool comfort will dwindle but you may be able to fall asleep easier and faster.
• Then of course there is the ‘Egyptian method’, and if it worked for these desert dwellers, it will work for us. All you need to do is get a sheet, blanket or towel that is big enough to cover you and soak it in cold water. Wring out the excess water to keep the fabric damp but no longer soggy.Use it to cover yourself. This method keeps you cool and doesn’t leave you sopping wet.

• Of course avoiding the sun also helps keep you cool. A great way to keep the inside of your house cool is to keep the windows covered and the sun blocked out. This can relate back to the damp towel over your windows to keep the air inside cool and comfortable.
• If you do have an air-conditioning unit, be sure to close all windows and doorways while you are using it. This ensures that the cool air stays inside where you need it.
• You can also get a spray bottle and keep it in the fridge. When the heat gets to a boiling point, grab your bottle and give yourself a spritz to keep your core temperature regulated.

• And finally, take a dip! A dam, a public pool or perhaps you have a pool at home. Swimming is a great way to exercise and stay cool at the same time.

Needless to say, these hacks may ease the extreme heat but unfortunately they won’t get rid of it. Although we can’t really complain, as the hectic heat brings the needed rain! So when venturing into the great outdoors and sun, be sure to bring your sunscreen and be conscious of what your body needs.

If you have any other tricks and tips to keep the heat at bay, we invite you to share them in the comment section below. Have a fantastic summer and make the best of the Namibian heat.

Author – Jescey Visagie is a proud Namibian and is passionate about writing and language. Tag along for the ride as she tries to uncover new insights into Namibia and explores what the country has to offer.