Advice from an Okie: How to Work in the Horrible Heat

If you're in Oklahoma right now, you know that we're all on the verge of melting.

If you're not from the state, you might be thinking to yourself: how does anyone get anything accomplished? Take some advice from an okie.

1. Start Early, Work Late

On most mornings, temperatures rest between 60 and 70 degrees before 6:00a.m. By the time 9:00a.m. hits, things are already reaching the mid 80s and up. Mornings are easier to handle outdoor work since the heat from the sun hasn't cooked everything outside yet, making it difficult to breathe in the evenings. Take the mornings to do your gardening, exercising, or anything outdoors you need to accomplish.

2. Work in Short Spurts, Take Lots of Water Breaks

Water is the answer to staying cool in the summer and not just being in it. During the summer heat, people are more prone to dehydration. So, while you're working, make sure you're taking care of your body while it works.

According to Oklahoma State University nutrition specialist Janice Hermann, it is recommended to "consume fluids all throughout the day. Don’t wait until the end of the day,” she said. “Remember, thirst lags behind the body’s need for hydration.”

Another way water is saving us in the heat is with cooling rags and cool clothing, like our supporter Tiffany Erb mentioned:

3. Save the Heat of the Day for Resting

Ironically, if you're wanting to be outside for any length of time, you'll want to do it during the heat of the day. This is the best time to dip in the lake, chill in the pool, or relax at the splash park. Or, just do it as often as you can, like our supporter Jay Davis.

For many homes in Oklahoma, the air conditioners are working overtime to keep the house cool in above 100 degree temperatures. For some of us, the house is actually warmer inside during the heat of the day than if you were outside cooling off.  So, why not just do that instead?

4. The Darker The Better

Shade is your absolute best friend when it comes to keeping cool outdoors. It's important to keep in mind that you won't always have wind; if you do, it may just be blowing hot air around. But it beats baking in the direct sunlight.

This is also important to consider when you're trying to cool your home. Draw the shades, use blackout curtains and keep the lights off when you can to enjoy the cool indoors.

5. Focus On One Instead of All

There are important parts of your body you should really be concerned with keeping cool. You can cool yourself down faster by cooling your hands and feet first since they have "pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly." You should also avoid letting your head overheat, which can prevent you from having a heatstroke and maintaining cognitive abilities.

We hope this helps those who are not from Oklahoma get through these next several weeks of high temperatures and the usual drought. We hope you're ready!

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