I Have Been Heat Intolerant My Whole Life – This Is How I Cope With Heatwaves

One of my earliest memories is shopping in Asda with my granddad in the middle of summer. It was the 90’s and we weren’t experiencing temperatures like the ones we have today but still, I was not coping. So much so that I put my head in a freezer to cool down and lost track of time. I had to be called over the tannoy.

In many ways since that day, I have chased the cold. All of my dream holidays are in cold locations, I come to life from around October through to April and I wear shorts at home year-round.

What can I say, I just hate being warm. Hot tubs are my idea of Hell.

All of this to say, you can imagine how poorly I have coped with the heat this summer. Thankfully, I live in Glasgow so we haven’t been hit as much as our neighbours in England, but, on a recent trip to see family in Hertford, I did find myself having to cope in 36 degree weather. Not. Good.

How I cope with heatwaves as a heat-intolerant person

You may be relieved to read that no, I don’t put my head in freezers anymore when I’m out in public. My own freezer is fair game and I offer no further comment on that front.

Close all curtains

If I am staying home, I enter vampire territory and close all of the curtains and blinds in my house. Yes, it probably looks strange from the outside but I don’t have the time or energy to worry about such things when it’s boiling hot outside.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) backs me here. They advise: “keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day. Open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through your home.”

Facial cooling spray and handheld fans

Handheld fans are good, right, but nothing beats the relief of misting your face with cold water. These sprays can be found in most supermarkets and pharmacies. I got my favourite one from Home & Bargains for 99p. Fits in all of my bags and when it gets too hot, I mist my face for an instant reset. 

Cold cloths on the back of my neck

When applying cold packs, misting spray or even just a cloth soaked in cold water, I never forget to hit the back of my neck with some cooling action. It works instantly and feels like a breath of fresh air. The UKHSA also recommends cooling your underarms this way. 

Ice blocks behind standing fan

This is one for the real weather whingers like me. If you find that you only feel comfortable when sitting directly in front of a fan with next to nothing on, can I recommend placing a block of ice behind the fan? It won’t cool down the whole room but it will instantly cool you down. I find it really regulates my brain and body.

I just put ice frozen in a plastic tub on top of a plate and then place it behind the fan. 

Good luck!