Surviving Indian Summers

chillibreeze writer — KI

It’s 3:09pm on a Monday afternoon in the first week of April. The sky is bright blue and the air is thick. It’s unbearably thick. I feel a bead of sweat trickling down my back as it leaves a wet and clammy trail. Summer is in full bloom in most parts of India. Not a leaf flutters, not a ripple in the water. Yes, summer is in full bloom.

It’s not entirely pleasant, this Indian summer. The temperatures have already crossed 38 degrees in most parts of India and in a few weeks it will shoot up by three or four degrees. It’s hard for most people in India, but there are ways to cope with the (in)famous Indian summers. Let’s call these the Golden Rules of Surviving Indian Summer.

Golden Rule Number 1: Sunscreen
Everyone knows how essential sunscreen is in summer. But Indian summers are especially harsh and so your skin needs extra protection. Sunscreens with SPF 20 and 30 will just not cut it in India. Sunscreens with SPF 40 and 50 are good for those who are going to be out in the sun for limited periods of time. For those who are out and exposed to the sun for most of the day especially in the afternoons, a sunscreen with SPF 50 and above is a must. Remember to reapply sunscreen every four hours.

Golden Rule Number 2: Hydration
Most people reading this will smirk and say, “I know that one! I drink plenty of water”. Drinking ‘plenty of water’ and drinking enough water are different things altogether. We all know that we need eight glasses of water a day, but that is usually not enough to keep your body hydrated in the summer.

Remember to drink more than eight glasses of water per day as the body experiences greater water loss due to sweating. Try and drink a glass every thirty minutes on especially hot days. Tip: A glass of lime juice with a dash of salt is especially refreshing in summer months in India.

Golden Rule Number 3: Be shady and prepared
Most people in India will tell you to stay out of the sun as much as possible from noon to early evening because the sun is especially harsh during these hours. The risk of getting a sunstroke is very high when a person is exposed to the sun for extended periods of time during these hours. If you do need to be out in the sun during these hours, remember to carry an umbrella or wear a hat to protect yourself from the brutal summer sun. Always carry a bottle of water with you to prevent dehydration. And, remember that tube of sunscreen for reapplication.

Golden Rule Number 4: Dress Right
It’s very important to dress right during summer months. Clothes that are light colored and made of natural fabrics are the best. Cottons and linens are summer favorites in India. If you are in a place with humid conditions, remember to wear loose clothing. Avoid any synthetic materials. Not only are these uncomfortable to wear, they also increase your likelihood of developing body odor. And, no one likes BO. If you are in a place where the heat is scorching, remember to carry a cotton sun coat with you. As for footwear, open is always better even if it means tan lines on your feet.

Golden Rule Number 5: Have fun
Don’t be stressed with the punishing summer sun in India. Indian summer can be a time for fun and relaxation if you play it right. Think pool parties and relaxing chilled champagne Sunday brunches; think beer and barbeques; and think of all the chilled cocktails you can guzzle.

Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in April, 2010. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.

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Surviving Indian Summers

chillibreeze writer — KI

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