While your body is able to cope with most of what the environment may throw at it, you do sometimes need to help it out if you want to maintain optimum health. Whether it may be a painfully intense sun, or bitterly cold winds, these tips will help you to learn exactly what your body needs in order to thrive in extreme temperatures.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is common in many parts of the world, and even colder region often experience intense heat waves during the summer months. When it comes to clothing, stick to light colors in breathable fabrics, making sure that the styles that you choose are loose enough to allow for free and easy movement within them. Sun protection for all exposed areas of skin, which should really be kept to a minimum, is vital. In addition to wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses are also recommended, as is staying in the shade whenever possible, as temperatures here can be anywhere up to ten degrees cooler than in full sun. Be sure to also drink plenty of water, much more than you usually would, as you need to keep your body well hydrated throughout these higher temperatures.
Extreme Cold
In the extreme cold, many may suggest wearing one heavyweight item of clothing, but it is, in fact, much more beneficial to your body if you are wearing multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing, which is lightweight but warm. Keeping your hands and feet dry is absolutely vital, so be sure to wear socks that will not only retain heat, but also keep any moisture away from your skin. While gloves may also be an obvious choice, mittens are actually better when it comes to staying warm, as the collective energy of your fingers generates more heat together than apart.
Extreme Winds
Extreme winds can occur when it is both hot or cold, and, in both cases, you need to keep as much of your body covered up as possible. If it is cold, then you also need to be aware of windburn, which can have detrimental effects on any part of your skin that is exposed to the wind, causing everything from irritation to redness and sensitivity. While a moisturizer will help to some extent, you are far better off making sure that no skin is exposed to the wind, using scarves and headbands to protect any bare areas around your face, and clothing to keep your body fully sheltered.
Exposing your body to extreme temperatures can bring about a number of unwanted results. To ensure that your body is well-protected, try to prepare for the temperatures that you will be experiencing as much as you can beforehand, putting together the appropriate clothing and skin care items. As always, the foods that you eat can have a huge impact on your health and state of mind, so be sure to keep well hydrated and eat a varied diet, no matter which temperature extremes you may be dealing with.
