12 Tips Against the Heat in Zwickau

Midsummer is approaching, not just in Zwickau on the River Zwickauer Mulde. Some people struggle with the heat, while just as many look forward to it. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself, whatever you think of the season – and that applies just as much in Zwickau in Saxony, with its roughly 90,000 residents.

You may already know some of these measures, but others might be new to you and could prove very helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Zwickau and knowing the solutions to them are two very different things.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough should really go without saying: when you're out and about in summer, it's very important to drink plenty of fluids, mainly water. Drinking enough is essential, as it replenishes the fluids and minerals your body loses through sweating.

Not doing so can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. Unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can help maintain your fluid balance, but water is still the best choice in summer. Sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks can 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.

Keep this in mind when planning your day – it's better to go for a walk in the evening or morning rather than at midday. You could certainly move any strenuous physical activities to a cooler time of day.

3. Dress appropriately

Wear light, pale-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool at the same time.

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

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can actually make you feel even hotter. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you in terms of sweat. Prepare in good time, as the heat arrives faster than you might think.

4. Air out your flat/house

Open doors and windows, but only when it's cooler outside than indoors. Just make sure you don't let any small critters in.

You can cool your rooms down with damp towels hung in front of the windows or by using a fan. It can get very hot very quickly, especially in loft flats or those facing south.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, PCs, televisions and other devices constantly generate heat. Always unplug electronic devices completely from the mains when they're not actually needed.

You should charge your electronic devices at night instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Wet washing increases the humidity in your rooms. Your body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Clothes will dry faster outdoors in high temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you sluggish, which just makes you sweat even more. It's therefore smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty meals, as these take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. Handily, quick, light meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway – the exception proves the rule.

8. Sun protection is important

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

Sunscreen with a high SPF is essential as soon as you step outside, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Cool breaks by the Zwickauer Mulde

To cool down, it helps to take a break in an air-conditioned room every now and then on really hot days. This could be your own home, provided it has a cellar or air conditioning, or somewhere like the supermarket or the library.

10. Watch out for alcohol

You should avoid alcoholic drinks during hot weather, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you drink a glass of water alongside every alcoholic drink.

The effects of alcohol can also make you careless: who hasn't lost track of time because of it before?

11. Think of others

Think of other people too, not just yourself.

Warm weather is even more dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses or young children. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

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

12. In the car

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

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. The temperature inside a car can reach dangerous levels within a very short time, posing a health risk to both people and animals.

A few tips for the Zwickau region

These are the most important tips to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer. Here are a few shorter tips as well:

• Portable fans or misting sprays are a good investment, as you can use them again next year.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and check that all unnecessary sources of heat have been removed.

• When it's hot, it's a good idea to prepare meals in advance where possible, saving you the extra heat of cooking.

• Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to keep the heat out.

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

• Apart from swimming, you shouldn't do any sport in the heat.

With these tips, you should get through the summer in Zwickau just fine, especially at the Glück Auf swimming pool.

An ice cream is, of course, also a brilliant idea, especially if you can sit outside under a parasol while enjoying it.

Have fun and stay cool!