Much of North America and Europe have been experiencing record-breaking temperatures over the last few weeks. Even the saguaro cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix are highly stressed due to the high temps and lack of seasonal monsoons, despite being adapted to heat. We're experiencing the hottest temperatures on record with both June and July breaking records. On July 6, the global average temperature rose to 62.74 degrees Fahrenheit, according to data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, beating the previous global temperature record of 62.24 degrees Fahrenheit set in August 2016. I'm fortunate that here in Evergreen, Colorado, we are not experiencing the kind of heat that much of the rest of the country, and Southern Europe, are facing.
If you're looking for ways to beat the heat, here are some ideas:
Stay hydrated: Get yourself a reusable water bottle, and drink throughout the day. Hydro Flask has a variety of great options for insulated bottles and tumblers.
Go for a swim: Whether it's a neighborhood pool, swimming hole, or a kiddie pool in the backyard, cool off by getting in the water. If you don't have anywhere to swim, take a cool shower.
Eat cooling foods: Skip the heavy, salty foods and choose fresh fruits and veggies. It can also help to eat smaller meals throughout the day.
Dress light: Wear loose clothes in light colors and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
Skip the coffee: Caffeine is dehydrating and can increase the body's core temperature. Try drinking coconut water to cool down.
Limit sunlight exposure: If possible, avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day (mid-afternoon). Close the curtains or blinds of your home during the day.
I've heard about a trend of putting your sheets and pillow cases in plastic bags in the freezer for a couple hours before going to bed, but I don't think I could bring myself to try that one! If you're in Colorado, join me for a Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class as an alternative to practicing in a heated studio. I teach at Big Soda Lake in Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood on most Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Register through Rocky Mountain Paddle Board here. Click Book Now, then select SUP Yoga Lakewood.
I'm at Evergreen Lake in Evergreen on Thursdays. Classes alternate between evening (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and morning (9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.). Register through Evergreen Park and Recreation here. Scroll down past the Sunrise SUP Yoga classes to get to my classes. Please note that another teacher has classes at the lake on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Use code 5OFFSUP to get $5 off.
If you're completely new to SUP and want some time getting comfortable on the board before jumping into yoga, join my last monthly clinic at Evergreen Lake on Friday, August 18 at 3:00 p.m. All classes include the necessary equipment. I hope to see you on the lake.
Stay cool!
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