Not only is the weather warmer, your metabolism is running in the fast lane. Besides burning energy, you’re also breathing faster, your heart rate is higher and you may be breathless by the time you get to the top of the stairs.
It’s not only the heat and faster metabolism that’s making you feel hot and exhausted, it’s also the fact that you’re carrying the weight of a (nearly) full-size baby (plus amniotic fluid and the placenta) – which is enough to sap your energy and leave you limp and lethargic. If you planned to work till the last day, Mother Nature may be telling you to slow down, take it easy and take some time-out!
Beating the heat tips:
• The skin is the body’s biggest organ and it does a really good job either cooling us down – sweating – or warming us up - goose-flesh and shivering. To feel cool and fresh look after your skin by keeping it cool and moist.
• Wear cotton rather than synthetic material. Clothes should to be comfortable and loose fitting, sleeveless and light in colour (white reflects light and consequently heat)
• Wear non-synthetic comfortable undies
• Abandon your blue jeans and heels (sorry!)
• Wear flat sandals – pretty colours, bows, sparkles, frills and flowers!
• Use a roll-on deodorant rather than an antiperspirant
• Summer fragrances are sweet and fresh – copy nature
• Keep baby-wipes in the fridge and use them ad lib during the day
• Buy a small plastic spray bottle, fill it with rose water (ask your chemist) and use when you feel flushed
• Use only a hint of make-up, but keep your lips moist with lipstick and lip-gloss
• Wash your face with aqueous cream – soap dries it out
• Stay out of the sun and …
• Wear a hat when you’re in the sun
• Keep fruit in the fridge – it’s delicious cold, refreshing and good for you
• Make your own smoothies – they’re nourishing and don’t make you feel uncomfortable like a heavy meal does
• Keep a jug of ice water/rooibos tea on your desk – add your favourite fruit and some honey
• Keep your hair off your neck and shoulders – wear it up if it’s long
• Keep cool in the shower or swim
• Don’t sweat the small stuff learn to say ‘it doesn’t matter’ – nine times out of ten, it usually doesn’t!