Working outside in the heat can be extremely difficult, especially in the middle of summer. Luckily, there are a few great ways that you can remain hydrated while you spend 8 or more hours in the sun and heat when you are working. Here are some tips on how you can stay healthy and hydrated so that you don’t pass out from the heat this summer.
First, drink lots of water
This sounds like a basic tip, but it is the most important. Staying hydrated is often confused with drinking whatever is available and cold. But if you are drinking tea, soda, or even certain energy drinks, you are only going to become less hydrated. When you are out in the heat, you need to have a large water bottle with you and it needs to be filled with fresh and cold water. If this is not possible, then every hour take a water break and refill your bottle with cold water so that you always have something keeping you cool and hydrated.
Try to avoid drinking any alcohol the day before
If you know that the weather is going to make your day very hot the next day, and you have to work outside all day in that heat, do not drink any alcohol the night before. Alcohol can make you more dehydrated than standing out in the sun. But having the effects of the alcohol on top of the heat, your body is going to drain of every bit of hydration that you have inside. So always look at the heather beforehand, and make sure to plan your nightly events accordingly so that you never have to deal with the dehydration due to the alcohol.
Eat lots of food that contain water contents
You can drink a lot of water, but eventually you are going to want something with a little bit of flavor and you’ll trade your water for something else. This is completely fine. You can trade out your water bottle for a sports drink or a soda, as long as you have food with water content to back you up on that decision. Things like strawberries, cucumbers, and even celery can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. So whenever you want to throw out the water bottle for a day and drink something a little bit more tasty, back it up with foods that have water in them so you stay hydrated. Your body, and your stomach, will thank you for it at the end of the day.
Know when to take a break
No matter how important or urgent the job is, you have to take some time out of the sun when certain symptoms start to come up. You need to take a break every hour if possible, but every other hour at the least is necessary when you are working in the heat. If you start to feel irritable, itchy, or light headed, you need to take a break and drink some cold water immediately. These are signs of dehydration. You need to make sure that you catch it before you pass out from heat exhaustion. If you keep a watch on yourself, and the people around you, you can stay hydrated and take breaks before anything bad happens. You also need to make sure that your body has time to cool down before you go back outside. If you go inside to drink cold water and then go right back into the heat, you aren’t preventing much. You’re hydrated, but your body needs to relax or else that hydration will mean nothing.
Drink a sports drink at the end of the day
You are going lose a lot of your sodium while out in the heat because of how much you work and sweat while in the sun. You’ve kept water in your system all day, but now it’s time to recharge all of the vitamins and sodium in your body so that you have the energy and health to do it again tomorrow. Still consider drinking water throughout the rest of your day, but you need to also make sure that you have the proper vitamins and sodium levels that your body needs to be able to work again without passing out. So, if you had a day full of sweat, drink a sports drink when you get home so that you can get back everything that you lost.
If water starts to get boring and you don’t want to risk drinking something unhealthy, a hydration mix will be your best friend. These hydration mixes are made to taste like vitamin water, juice, or lightly flavored water. It’s healthy, tasty, and will keep you hydrated throughout the day. This is so you don’t feel like you’re drinking too much water while still drinking it. It’s a win for both your mind, and your body.
Know your limits
You know your body better than anyone else. You will know what is best for you. You know how much water you need to stay hydrated, you know when it is time to take a break, and you know when something doesn’t feel right inside of your body. Never mute what your body is telling you when you are working out in the heat. Take the time to think about what your body might be telling you, and act on it. If you are hungry, take a lunch break. If you think you might be thirsty, get some water. You need to listen to your body more than anything else. If you start to feel a little bit off, take a moment to evaluate what might be wrong.
Working outdoors can be extremely stressful, especially in the heat. But as long as you follow these tips and you will be fine working outdoors this summer. Remember to listen to your mind, your body, and keep a water bottle on you at all times if possible. To ensure you stay up to date on your Mass hoisting renewal requirements, contact Eagle Hoisting today.
