As the climate changes, here are some easy ways to still stay chill.
“It’s not just the heat — it’s the humidity.” Singapore’s double whammy of its equatorial position and island city status has given us a sweltering climate. These days, it’s packing an extra punch, as the mercury threatens to breach the 40-degree Celsius mark.
While air-conditioned offices and malls offer some relief, they’re short-term solutions. Instead of relying solely on artificial environments, Singaporeans need to adopt healthy habits to beat the heat. Here’s a guide to navigating our scorching temperatures while still enjoying all the city has to offer.
Maintaining a cool body temperature is essential for preventing heat-related illnesses like heat rash, dehydration and heat stroke. If you feel dizzy, have a headache, or feel nauseous, find shade, rehydrate and cool down immediately. Use these tips to help you stay cool and safe during hot weather.
Target your pulse points: These are areas sensitive to temperature, such as your wrists, neck, inner elbows and temples. Apply an ice pack, gel pack or even an ice cube to your pulse points to cool the rest of your body quickly and efficiently.
Breeze through your home: Create cross ventilation by opening windows and doors on opposite sides. This creates a current of air, improving airflow and significantly lowering indoor temperatures.
Keep it in: Indoor activities are a great way to avoid the sun and stay dry on rainy days. Bring the little ones to T-Play or have some grown-up competitive fun at TactSim and Laser Quest.
Trees are our friends: If you wish to head outdoors, choose shaded spots like East Coast Park, Bedok Reservoir or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Or, try forest bathing to immerse yourself in nature’s calming effect, which helps reduce stress and lower body temperature.
Splashing good times: Water-based activities are fantastic for staying cool while enjoying some sun. Water absorbs heat from our bodies and the process of evaporation lowers temperatures (just don’t catch a chill)! Visit water centres like Aqua Adventure (it’s indoors and away from the heat) or duck into your nearest HomeTeamNS clubhouse for a refreshing dip in the pool. HomeTeamNS members enjoy free entry all day!
Portable boosts: When spending extended time outdoors, bring along portable cooling devices like mini fans or neck coolers. Minty wet wipes provide extra freshness and alleviate the stickiness from high humidity.
Sweet dreams: Stay cool at night with cooling textiles like mattress protectors, pillowcases and duvets, or a mattress with cooling toppers. Ikea offers a range of cooling products to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Sun protection is essential for shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. With the help of sun-safe clothing and convenient accessories — along with these handy tips — you can prevent early ageing, unsightly pigmentation and skin cancer.
Easy and breezy: Choose clothing with longer sleeves and pants for better protection. Opt for natural fabrics like linen, cotton and bamboo, which are more breathable than synthetic fibres. Oversized clothing is on trend and provides better airflow.
Protect your skin: Technology has come a long way and now we have UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) built into our clothing as an additional safeguard. Uniqlo’s lightweight parka and Decathlon’s UV protection apparel are excellent choices for extended outdoor activities.
A shady trio: Ditch the ‘auntie’ stigma and use hats, umbrellas and sunglasses to reduce direct sun exposure and stay cooler. These items are essential for everyone, not just for older people.
Cover up: Consider wearing arm sleeves if you spend a lot of time outdoors or driving. These protect one of the most exposed and often neglected body parts. Pick sleeves with cooling fabric technology for extra comfort.
Slather it on: In this climate, sunscreen is non-negotiable. It protects against UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays, which cause premature ageing and skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Most sunscreens protect against UVB, but look for ones that also shield UVA — indicated as PA values in Japanese and Korean brands. SPF30 and above gives you 97% protection, while SPF100 offers 99% protection but may have less UVA coverage. Both chemical and physical sunscreens are effective — just remember to reapply every few hours for optimal protection, especially if you’ve been perspiring.
Hydration is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of keeping cool. Many people neglect drinking enough water due to busy schedules or not feeling thirsty, but proper hydration helps our body perspire and regulate temperature. Here are some practical tips to ensure you stay well-hydrated:
Take a sip: Always carry a water bottle and get into the habit of taking regular sips even when you’re not thirsty. Consider using bottles that track your intake to help monitor your hydration levels. Better yet, opt for a two-in-one bottle with a misting spray to cool you on the outside and keep you hydrated on the inside.
Pure and simple: Invest in a quality water purifier to ensure you always have access to fresh water at home. HomeTeamNS members can score amazing deals on water purifiers from Ruhens and Happie Singapore.
Make it tasty: If plain water isn’t appealing, add slices of lemon, lime, mint or cucumber to make it more palatable.
Add some electrolytes: Electrolytes are mineral salts that help draw water into your cells, ensuring proper hydration. Drink beverages like Pocari Sweat or 100Plus to replenish electrolytes lost during perspiration, or opt for coconut water as a delicious natural alternative.
Your diet counts: Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like melons, peaches, papayas, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. Soups are also a great way to up hydration — but be mindful of its sodium content. Remember, coffee and tea are diuretics, so follow them up with plenty of water.
Face the heat: Refresh your face with a hydrating spritz from a face mist to soothe and cool your skin instantly.
Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.
