12 Tips Against the Heat in Neumünster

It's not only in Neumünster on the Stör that midsummer arrives. Many people are delighted about it, while others struggle with the heat. There are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself, whatever your feelings about the season – and this applies not just in Neumünster in Schleswig-Holstein, home to around 80,000 people.

You might already know some of these tips, but others may still be unfamiliar and can be really helpful. Knowing the answers to dealing with midsummer temperatures in Neumünster is all well and good, but it doesn't help if you don't put them into practice.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is really just common sense: during the summer, especially in the sun, you should drink lots of water. Drinking enough is essential, as it replenishes the minerals and fluids your body loses through sweating.

Cramps or heat exhaustion can result from not doing so. In summer, water should be your main drink, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are also helpful. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages tend to 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. During this time, it's best to stay in the shade or wear a hat.

Bear this in mind when planning your day – go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday. Any strenuous activities can easily be saved for cooler times of day.

3. Dress appropriately

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be loose, light and pale in colour. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool.

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these materials don't absorb sweat, making you feel even warmer. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. The heat can catch you out faster than you'd think – so stock up in good time!

4. Always ventilate your flat or house

When it's cooler outside, open the windows and doors. Just make sure you don't let any small creatures in.

You can also cool your home by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. It can get particularly hot in attic flats or those facing south.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

Electrical devices such as televisions or computers generate constant heat. Always unplug electronic devices completely when they're not actually in use.

On hot days, it's better to charge your devices at night.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing indoors increases humidity, which makes the air feel even hotter on your body than dry air would. Outdoors, washing dries faster anyway in warm temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Fatty dishes take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. As with most rules, there are exceptions, but generally lighter meals suit us better in summer.

8. Sun protection is important

Your skin is attacked by UV rays, which increases the risk of skin cancer and leads to premature skin ageing. Don't forget – your skin never forgets!

So always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply sun protection every two hours or more often, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Air-conditioned rooms

To cool down, it's a smart 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 air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Alcoholic drinks

During summer, you should avoid alcoholic drinks, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. For every alcoholic drink, you should order at least one glass of water alongside it.

It's also worth bearing in mind that alcohol tends to make you generally less alert: who hasn't lost track of time because of it at some point?

11. Fellow residents of Neumünster

Don't just think about yourself, but about others too.

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for small children, older people, or those with chronic illnesses: symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.

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

12. In the car

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

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a closed vehicle, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within just a few minutes, for both people and animals.

Even more tips for the region in the middle of Schleswig-Holstein

This information will help you get through summer well while still enjoying it. Here are a few more tips:

• Invest in a few portable misting fans or fans – it's money well spent, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and eliminate any unnecessary sources of heat.

• Prepare cold meals or snacks in advance, so you don't have to cook when it's too hot.

• To keep the heat out, keep your blinds or curtains closed during the day.

• A cold bath or shower before bed helps you sleep better.

• Try to avoid exercising in warm weather – however hard it might be, apart from going for a swim.

If you take these tips on board, you should be able to enjoy the summer heat in Neumünster without too much trouble, for example at Bad am Stadtwald.

An ice cream is, of course, also a wonderful idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outside under a parasol.

Always have fun and stay cool!