What to Do About the Summer Heat in Gießen?

High summer is coming, not just in Gießen an der Lahn. Many people look forward to the heat, while others struggle with summer. In Gießen in Hessen, with its roughly 90 thousand residents, there are simple steps you can take to make the summer more pleasant.

You've probably heard some of these already, while others may be new and helpful. Knowing the answers to coping with high summer temperatures in Gießen is all well and good, but it's pointless if you don't put them into practice.

Our 12 tips against the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important and really quite logical: in summer heat, it's essential to drink a lot of water, especially if you're spending time outdoors. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals, which is why it's essential to replenish these by drinking regularly.

The effects of not doing so can include heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices are also helpful. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between 12 noon and 3pm. Try to stay in the shade during this time or wear a hat.

It's very important to plan your day well, so go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of during the hot midday period. Strenuous physical activities can certainly wait until cooler times.

3. Wear suitable clothing

Wear light, loose, pale-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk are best. These natural materials are breathable and absorb sweat well.

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat, making you feel even warmer. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you in terms of sweat. Prepare in good time, as summer arrives faster than expected.

4. Always air out your home

Open windows and doors when it's cooler outside than inside. Just make sure you don't let any little critters in.

You can also cool your home by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Attic flats or those facing south can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Electrical devices such as televisions or computers generate constant heat. That's why you should completely unplug electrical devices from the mains whenever they're not in use.

On hot days, it's better to charge your electronic devices while you sleep.

6. Dry your laundry outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp laundry indoors creates high humidity. This is perceived by the body as hotter than dry air. Outdoors, clothes dry faster anyway in high temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

Large meals make you very tired, causing you to sweat even more. It's therefore smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. As you might feel uncomfortable during long digestive processes, you should avoid fatty foods. It's just as well that we tend to prefer light meals in summer anyway – exceptions prove the rule.

8. Don't forget sun protection

UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and causes premature skin ageing. Don't forget – your skin never forgets!

Sunscreen with a high SPF is essential whenever you head outdoors, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Air-conditioned spaces

To cool down, it's a good idea to take a break in an air-conditioned room every now and then on really hot days. This could be the library, the supermarket, or even your own home, if you have a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Alcoholic drinks

You should avoid alcohol during summer as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcoholic beverages, make sure to always have a glass of water alongside.

What's more, the effects of alcohol can make you careless: everyone has lost track of time at some point.

11. Think of others

You also need to think of others.

Warm weather is even more dangerous for the chronically ill, young children or the elderly. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

If you notice these signs in someone, please help if you can!

12. In cars

Never leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can rise by the minute!

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. On hot days, the temperature inside a car can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time – for both people and animals!

Even more tips for the Mittelhessen region

This information will help you enjoy summer while also getting through it well. Here are a few more tips:

• Investing in portable misting fans or fans is worthwhile, as you can use them again every summer.

• Make sure your house or flat is well ventilated and that unnecessary sources of heat are eliminated.

• Prepare cold dishes or snacks in advance so you don't have to use the cooker when it's too hot.

• Keeping the blinds or curtains closed keeps the heat out.

• To sleep better, it's best to have a cold bath or a cold shower beforehand.

• Try not to do any sport in hot weather – no matter how tempting – apart from going for a swim.

At the Outdoor pool Ringallee, Stadtwerke Gießen AG in Gießen, you should get through the summer very well – especially if you follow these tips.

A wonderful idea is to go out for ice cream, especially if you can sit outdoors in the shade.

Have fun and stay cool!