Hallmarked for its relaxed vibe and vacation-y essence, summer is presumed to be one of the best times of the year. While there’s much to love about this leisurely season, the unrelenting heat can often take a toll on unsuspecting victims. If you’re who dreads the warmer months solely because of the sweltering weather, here are some tips on how to combat the warmth and take back your summer!

1. Hydrate Like Crazy

Nothing will warm your body quicker than being dehydrated. Many people understand the importance of drinking water daily, but during the summertime, it’s exceedingly important to quench your thirst. Once you’ve met your daily quota, consider gulping a few more glasses. Not only will drinking water keep heat exhaustion at bay, but it’ll keep you energized as well. If you find the plain taste to be off-putting, add in some low-calorie flavor packets to ginger up your H2O intake.

2. Invest in Cooling Towels

Much like their name suggests, cooling towels are linens that serve to cool down body temperatures. When submerged in water, the towel reduces to 30 degrees. No doubt a godsend when working in 95-degree weather, cooling towels are a must-have for the summer. For best results, wrap the towel around both your neck and wrists for optimal relaxation. This can be a great idea for summer parties or barbecues. If you are forced to be outside for some sort of party, make it a little more bearable by simple techniques like this.

3. Maintain Your AC Unit

If your air conditioner is on the fritz, it’s imperative that you employ HVAC services. Oftentimes, an air-conditioned home is the only place one can seek refuge from the heat. With that said, you need to ensure that your AC unit is up to snuff. Should your air conditioner go kaput in the throes of a heatwave, you’ll be kicking yourself for neglecting to maintain your HVAC system. You might not even realize your AC unit isn’t working as well as it could be. Annual maintenance and inspection can help you ensure you are getting the most out of your air conditioning as well.

4. Wear Light Clothing

Donning a tight shirt or body-con dress during the summer is ill-advised. Instead, you’ll want to wear loose articles of clothing that allow for breathability. What’s more, you’ll want to stay away from dark attire. Darker colors attract the sun, and the last thing you want is to summon the sun while beads of sweat roll down your face. You can also find clothing made from material that is made to keep you cool. Be mindful about the type of clothing you are buying and what it’s made out of to keep yourself a little cooler.

With summertime in full swing, there’s never been a more critical time to protect yourself from the unbearable heat. Fortunately, you don’t have to confine yourself to the indoors while summer passes through. By heeding the above advice, you’ll give yourself some much-needed relief during those impossibly warm days.