Summer for those who struggle in the heat

[EducatingEater]

Starting this here rather than main chat or AIBU to avoid those who will instantly clap back saying that it can't be hot enough for them and how awful I am for not liking the summer weather and not popsy any helpful suggestions 😂 still, it would be boring if we were all the same!

I have a health condition where my body cannot regulate it's temperature and my circulation is poor so I struggle to cool off when it is even slightly touching the 20s in the calendar.

Unfortunately adding on the extra gilet of my weight and the fact I'm at least approaching peri menopause if not starting then things are a bit crap temperature tolerance wise.

I'm wondering if we could collate some ideas (and some moaning at the temperatures that other people don't understand!) on how to keep as comfortable as possible in the heat as we approach summer 2026.

Personally I have neck fans that are very handy and don't have to be carried or fill my hands when out and about. They're rechargeable and from amazon and last approx 6 hours on full charge. I did spend (much more than I wanted to) almost 30 on one last night that I'm praying is as good as the reviews say and gives almost 24 hours of use.
https://amzn.eu/d/0i1674Ux (personally if you do go for it, pay the extra 6 quid and go for the one I did rather than the 22 quid one as for 6 quid you get double the battery power)

I also have cooling towels that I've also got from amazon but I've seen in home bargains, shein and temu that you run under cold water, wring out and wrap around where you need them (shoulders, neck, pulse points, knees etc.) and then you "snap" (pull them vigorously apart a few times in your hands whilst holding each edge) so that the air cools the water and you can use them again. I've stocked up with one that you can wear like a hood over your head and down your neck and shoulders this year too of the same material which I'm going to give a go to.

Obviously rechargeable fans in each room are a winner too, or carrying them around. I've gone for them over the pedastal type of old as they don't need to be stood near a plug to work.

One I have to keep telling myself, dress comfortably. Don't dress for others and overheat yourself. Sunstroke is noones friend, keep hydrated, keep cool, keep sunscreened and keep well!

Thinking about this as I’ve stupidly agreed to go away somewhere I know is too hot for me. Going to bring neck fan and maybe some of the migraine cool patches. Will look into the towels - thanks.

Next think is dressing for comfort not style, I usually like to cover my arms but need to get over myself for this trip!

I don't know if the same happens to you, but the migraine cool patches tend to 'burn' my skin (not a burn, but irritates them where they are) if my face is not completely dry where they're placed or if there's sweat on it. In case you are the same, it might be worth getting a facial wipe to cool yourself off (or wash your hands and face at a sink) to get the sweat from your skin and then dry it before placing the patch. I hope it doesn't happen to you, but just a heads up in case <3

Another one I've just remembered helps - wear natural fibres like cotton etc where possible.

Until I reach my desired weight I've decided to hide in the summer and poke my head out in Autumn.
I love to be out and about in layers and a coat!
Sorry if this isn't appropriate.

This is exactly me!

I just avoid summer as much as possible. In fact I moved to Scotland, that helped enormously 😆

The neck fans are fantastic. As are iced coffee but I need to wean myself off the caramel syrup and onto the sugar free stuff (boo)

Organic cotton or linen clothing
Never leave the house without a hat
Avoid going out from miday if possible
Electrolyte drinks
Cold damp cloths around the neck
Japan has some amazing products. Cooling wipes and sprays if you can get hold of them
At home, feet in a cold bath and cold flannel on the head.

Can I ask what medical condition you have? I have a hard time regulating my temperature and I also have poor circulation...

Sure, I have hyperhodrosis which is excessive sweating. The poor circulation is likely a heart issue and I also have raynaurds.

I'm pushing to try and get the circulation and heart issue investigated as I have a history of cardiac problems, but my gp is not exactly the most helpful in referring me onwards so I don't have an actual proper name for it yet!

Thanks for the hint to look at the Japanese products, I will have a Google!

I joke that one of my targets is to actually be able to wear a proper coat that isn't a hoody or coatigan at best alongside scarves, gloves and hats. 😂 I am definitely not a summer person, even spring and early autumn aren't really for me. I like proper winter!

I’ve been mostly cold since being on MJ, so DH will be pleased if I don’t stick the heating on at night for a few days. 😂

I am actually so jealous that I haven't had this side effect yet!
I hate the heat, hate sweating & hate bugs!
I'm hoping as I go up a dose I will be cold!! 🥶

I have always struggled with summer heat, found a cold shower before bed helped quite a bit. I am the opposite now I’ve lost weight and am always chilly, I’m looking forward to the next few days to see how my body copes with the hotter weather

I'm a quadruple amputee (6 years in) and loss of skin surface means I find it very hard to regulate my temperature. Similar ideas to those already stated but I also find cooling pillowcases and sheets helpful.

Thanks for the info
I always used the Gatsby body wipes. Think they're called Deodorant paper or something like that. Biore seems to be another popular brand though.

So far so good with the larger battery neck fan, from my first post. it ran a good 10 hours overnight pointed at the head of my bed on just the "in the box' charge and still has battery power in it. I'm trying to run it down before fully charging it. It was on level three of six too!

I hate the heat, I'm definitely a winter person. For the first few months on mounjaro I was freezing which was a very strange feeling after a lifetime of always being too hot

Embrace the siesta if possible.

I am an earlier riser so all windows/doors are open at 7am and then it's ensuring the house is shut down around 9am, starting with eastfacing rooms.

it may be dark but it's ok to be inside.

Loose clothes from natural fibres, nothing skimpy and long trousers/skirts are better than shorts.

Run wrists under cool - not cold - water. Drink coolish drinks, ignore the ice. I still drink around 3-4 cups of tea a day.
No heavy food, not only does it make the kitchen hot, your body is already stressed by the heat. Smaller meals work as well. No alcohol.

If you are going outside, hat, water, sunglasses. Try shady areas. A stroll in the woods is better than a walk in full sunshine.

My goodness, these last few days have been a real test. How are we all?

Ask me again after today! I've had some time off due to being half term. Back to work today, I'm a self employed cleaner. One of my clients wants some ironing done too! 😱🥵
I am actually bringing spare tshirts to change between clients because I know I'll be wet through in minutes!
How are you doing?

Bless you, good luck! That is not fun ☹️☹️ hope it's not too bad, today is meant to be cooler fingers crossed. Open as many windows as you can get away with too and can you take a fan? Especially if rechargeable?

I'm staying with family at the moment so not able to change or hibernate as much as I would at home as the kids are young, but they're a nice distraction from it. I am keeping fluids up as much as possible and limiting caffeine and showering twice a day which has made it more bearable. I've got my own fan for the bedside table so managing to target it enough to get some sleep too.