Last month when the temperature here in the UK hit an unprecedented 40°C for the first time ever, I did a post saying:
‘With the extreme heat here in the UK over the past few days, yesterday, I tried the hot water bottle suggestion that has been doing the rounds, and it helped.
I filled it with cold water, put it in the freezer for a couple of hours, put it in a pillow case, and voilà
So simple yet very effective 👌🏾
When it started to rain last night, I went for a walk in it. That's the first time I can ever recall looking forward to going for a walk in the rain (if you're a woman of African heritage you'll understand 😀 ).
Other people had the same idea because there were many people either just stood on the street in the rain, or sat outside their houses in it.
One of my nieces had an ice cream van outside where she works and they had free ice cream.
What have you been doing to stay cool?’
Amongst the responses were some great tips about how my LinkedIn connections were keeping themselves cool. With the 4 day extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office this week, keeping ourselves cool is going to be a necessity so in this week's newsletter I've decided to share the tips my connections shared with me so you too can benefit.
Not only are we experiencing a heatwave here in the UK, other parts of the world are also feeling it too. If you have any further tips, do add them in the comments. And do checkout those names listed below because not only do they offer great tips on how to stay cool, they offer great services in other areas too.
Martha Cuffy - There is a yogic practice where you roll your tongue and suck in air. Genetically a good number of people cannot roll their tongue so will still need the water bottle. Useful for hot flushes too.
Keeping a flannel in the fridge is also a way to freshen up your mind, face and neck between Zoom calls.
I keep my curtains and blinds drawn which is common practice in hot spots around the world.
I also take time away from tech devices!
Michala Liavaag 💙 - Dunking my head under the cold water tap regularly has helped. Fans would have been nice except I had to have all of them aimed at my computer to keep it from running hot and dying on me!
Lillian Lartey - I've been freezing bottles of water to drink as they defrost. Freezing ice packs and putting them in a tote back 👍🏾 Putting a damp flannel or cloth in the freezer and once frozen putting that around the back of my neck or across my forehead 🥰☀️💚🙏🏾
Susan Heaton-Wright - I have had a towel with ice cubes wrapped around my neck to keep cool.
KAYLA CONLEY - I was constantly thirsty. My mum told me to add some cucumber slices to my water and it really helped.
Obehi Alofoje - Psychologist – Re the hot water bottle - Yup definitely my technique! Don’t forget to put the bottle inside a freezer bag first so it doesn’t wet your bed!
Alexandra Bond Burnett ACC Performance Coach - I lay in my hammock in the rain staring at the lightning. It was glorious.
Joyce Omojor-Oche - Staying indoors was not an option as it was stifling hot.I got an umbrella and took the bus to the City center, which was really cool.I then decided to head to my school library ( the Ac's were also switched on), i got into the bathroom first and splashed some cold water on my face, neck and arms before finding a desk to cool off and read. I had a cold back once i got home by 10pm. I woke up this morning with stinging skin and I am from Nigeria where its hot all through the year!!
Patience Ogunbona - I have stayed indoors in air conditioning to keep cool.
Jane Mott - I have a bandana I soak in cold water and wring out it says cool for hours and an upgrade from my previous tea towel. Also for lock down I had a cowl tube face mask, that damp and round neck works. Will now try putting both in the fridge 👍
Dr. Sandhya Rani Singh - For me sitting in the rain and trying to hold the water in my hand is the coolest thing about the rainy season.
Tracy Wade Shepherd, MBA, ⚖️ 💜🖤🤍 - Pillowcase in cold water rung out as much as possible and used like a cover.
Wesley Crompton MAPM - I walk in my speedos and carry a southern comfort on the rocks, otherwise I’m already cool 😎 👀
What have you been doing to stay cool or to support your team members to? What have you or your organisation done to help people be at their best in this heat? Please share your tips below.
First published on LinkedIn.
If you are an introverted woman and a senior leader and want to increase your confidence, influence and impact, take my free assessment and get a report identifying areas to develop. You can take the assessment here.
