12 Tips Against the Heat in Recklinghausen

Midsummer doesn't just arrive in Recklinghausen on the Lippe. Some people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to it. In Recklinghausen in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 110 thousand residents, there are simple steps you can take to make the season more pleasant.

Some of these are well known, others may be new and helpful. Knowing the solutions to the high summer temperatures in Recklinghausen is all well and good, but not if you don't actually use them.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty

Drinking plenty is very important, and it's really just common sense: if you're out and about in summer, it's essential to drink a lot, mainly water. When you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals, which is why it's essential to replenish these through regular drinking.

Failing to do so can lead to sunstroke, heatstroke, cramps or heat exhaustion. Herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help maintain your fluid balance, but water is still the best choice in summer. Sugary drinks such as lemonade can make the feeling of dehydration worse, which is why they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is at its strongest around midday, so you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Stay in the shade and wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly: go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's too hot. It's best to shift physically demanding activities to a time when temperatures have already dropped a little.

3. Dress appropriately

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

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these materials don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even hotter. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. Prepare in good time, as summer arrives faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your home

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

You can also cool your rooms 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

Constant heat is generated by electrical devices such as PCs or televisions. That's why you should completely disconnect electrical devices from the power supply when they're not in use.

You should also avoid charging electronic devices on warm days – you can simply do this while you sleep instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a decent-sized balcony or a garden. Damp washing increases the humidity in your home. The body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Clothes also dry faster outdoors in high temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating too much makes you feel sluggish, which in turn makes you sweat even more. It's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty dishes, as these take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. There are exceptions, of course, but generally we find lighter dishes more appealing in summer.

8. Sun protection is important

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing – pigment spots and wrinkles – is also a consequence of UV rays. Don't forget – your skin never forgets!

Don't forget sun cream with a high SPF whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can be wise to take a break in an air-conditioned room from time to time to cool down. This could be the library, the supermarket, or even your own home, if you have air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcohol shouldn't be consumed, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcoholic beverages, make sure you always have a glass of water alongside.

You should also bear in mind that alcohol tends to make people generally more careless: we've all lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of others

You shouldn't only think of yourself, as those around you matter too.

Hot 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, help as best you can!

12. In cars

Never leave your pets or children 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 very warm days, the temperature inside a car can reach life-threatening levels within minutes – for both humans and animals!

More tips for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region

This information will help you enjoy the summer while getting through it comfortably. We've put together even more tips for you:

• Portable fans or misting sprays are a good investment for summer, as you can reuse them every year.

• Eliminate all sources of heat and make sure your home is well ventilated.

• Avoid cooking by preparing cold meals or snacks in advance.

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

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

• Avoid exercising in the heat, however hard it may be – except for swimming, of course.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy summer in Recklinghausen without too much discomfort, for example at the indoor swimming pool.

Going out for ice cream is an excellent idea, especially if you can sit outside in the shade.

Always have fun and stay cool!