Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Surviving the Sizzling Summer

Work outside? These tips for staying cool in the heat, straight from a CLAC steward, are for you

By Wayne Lodge, Local 68 steward

Ah, summer! A time filled with beach vacations, icy cold lemonades, and unfortunately, sweltering heat. While some of us are privileged to enjoy the sunny season without breaking a sweat, there are a lot of brave souls who endure the scorching sun while working their tails off.

If you find yourself in such a predicament, here are some tips to help you make it through those sun-drenched workdays.

Dress for success (and survival): When it comes to summer workwear, it's all about finding the perfect balance between professionalism and heat management. Opt for light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing to maximize airflow. Remember: just because your outfit is casual, it doesn't mean you should show up in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops. (Unless, of course, your workplace decided to celebrate "Tropical Tuesday.”)

Stay hydrated, my friend: The importance of staying hydrated cannot be stressed enough. Keep a water bottle handy at all times, as if it were your own personal sidekick. If you're lucky, you might even find one that doubles as a mini fan. However, while you might be tempted to grab a cold beer to cool off, save the celebratory drinks for the after-work occasions. Otherwise, your boss might mistake your tipsy giggles for heat exhaustion.

Timing is everything: Mother Nature can be relentless, but she also knows how to take a break. If possible, try to schedule your more demanding tasks for the cooler morning or late afternoon. This way, you won't constantly feel like a grilled sausage on an outdoor BBQ. Plus, the early morning sunshine has a romantic feel—until you realize you are heading straight to work instead of the beach. Yeah, life can be rough sometimes.

Seek shade like your paycheck depends on it: During your breaks, or whenever work permits, seek refuge under the shade like a seasoned sun dodger. This will provide some temporary relief from the relentless heat. Just make sure your choice of shade doesn't include any lurking or overly chatty coworkers. You're on a break, so mentally recharge. (And thank goodness for that trusty tree line that serves just the right amount of shade!)

Ice, ice, baby: When the going gets tough, the tough get creative. Use the power of ice to your advantage by placing cold packs or ice cubes on pulse points like your wrists or neck. This will give you an immediate chill that would make Elsa from Frozen green with envy. But be careful not to overdo it; you don't want people to mistake you for a human popsicle on their way to the ice cream stand.

Working in the summer heat isn't for the faint of heart, but if you’re armed with these tips and a sprinkle of the right attitude, you'll be ready to tackle those long, scorching days. Remember to dress smartly, hydrate profusely, and seek shade like a shadow chaser. Your body will thank you, and your coworkers might even start seeing you as the resident heatwave expert.

So go forth, brave worker, and conquer the summer heat with a smile (and maybe even a mini fan or two). Stay cool!

Surviving the Sizzling Summer

You might be interested in