Even though Fall is right around the corner, August is still a hot month in most of the United States. 

It’s important to keep cool and stay hydrated (or drink a lot of water) when there’s lots of sun. You can also stay cool by sticking to shady places.

Shade

Houses keep us protected from harsh weather outside. Just like houses can keep us warm in winter, they can keep us cool in the summer. 

If it’s not air conditioned, it can still feel pretty hot, but being in the shade makes it easier to cool down and prevent sunburns. 

If you’re out and about, try staying in the shade of trees or nearby buildings as much as you can.

If there’s no shade at all, you can bring your own! Try bringing an umbrella and wearing summer clothes. Long, lightweight clothes, sun hats, and sunglasses can help protect you from the sun’s rays and may keep you feeling cooler.

Water

Water is one of the best ways to beat the heat. Did you know drinking water helps your body cool itself down? Pick out a fun travel cup, and take it with you to make sure you’re drinking sips of water all day long.

You can also use water to cool off by getting in it. If you can go for a swim, run through some sprinklers, or sweat a lot, you may even feel cold afterward because of evaporation! 

Evaporation is when water slowly turns from a liquid into a gas. When water evaporates, the air around it feels cooler.

Want to see how evaporation works? Put a very small drop of water on a plate. Smear it around, and then watch it slowly disappear as it turns into an invisible gas. That’s evaporation!

Imagination

If you’re already using shade and water, but still feeling hot, one of my favorite tricks is to imagine myself in a cold time or place. 

Close your eyes and think about the chilly breezes of fall, or picture yourself making a snow angel in a fluffy pile of snow. 

You could also read a book that’s set in the cold! Try Martin the Mouse in a Haunted House and Martin the Mouse in Santa’s House to get in the holiday spirit early, and they’re part of my Complete Book Set!

If you ever start feeling too hot, tell a grown up so they can help.  Do you have a favorite way to keep cool in the summer? Share with us on Facebook!