As I am sure everyone has noticed over the last few weeks, the weather has taken quite a turn for the better. Or at least one would think. I still can’t figure out myself whether I’d rather be bundled in layers freezing in twenty-degree weather, or sweating to death with my clothessticking to me, in deathly ninety-degree heat. A perfect world to me is sixty-degree weather where the sun is shining and a nice cool breeze drifts through the air. Not too hot and not too cold.
Since moving to New York City in August I have heard a lot of talk about how the city is the worst place to be during the summer. I honestly thought trudging through the piles of snow during the winter was bad enough, but I have a feeling I’m in for a rude awakening this summer. Keep reading for 7 tips that you should abide by this summer if your living in the city. I’ll be following these rules to survive my first summer in the big apple as well!
1. Dress Appropriately
First, the most important thing to do in the city is dress for summer weather. Mainly try to dress in clothes that are breezy and move. Linen is probably the greatest fabric to wear because it is light, comfortable, and breathable. Try to stay away from fabrics like silk or wool that will either make you sweat or show all of your sweat. There are plenty of cute clothes out there that you can not only be fashionable in but also “cool.” Wink wink.
2. Stay Hydrated!
Now I know we are all thinking margaritas on a rooftop bar, am I right? Well of course those too, but water, water, and more water. It is extremely important in any hot weather to stay hydrated and luckily water is available anywhere you go and half the time for free! So enjoy that margarita on the rooftop bar that costs thirty dollars, but enjoy that free water that comes with it even more.
3. Invest in a Fan
If you are living in New York City then you of course know how expensive it is. If you don’t live in the city just know if you ever want to move here, prepare to spend your whole life’s savings or maybe take out a loan. Some of us may not be fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of cold AC wherever we are living. A fan of course is cheaper and can still get the job done. I would advise to invest in a rather expensive fan that will last and is powerful so you don’t even feel the heat around you. Small fans to put next to your bed are perfect for sleeping. My favorite type of fan is one that squirts out water that you can carry around the city with you. And if all else fails, simply make a fan out of paper. Raise your hand if you never made one of those as a kid.
4. Avoid The Subway
You’re probably thinking that it isn’t possible to avoid the subway for your work commute. You would think riding the subway would beat walking outside in the heat right? Well wrong. The subway is probably ten to twenty degrees hotter being underground and surrounded by a million people. Think about it this way. Would you rather be smooshed in between a car full of really sweaty and smelly people, bumping into you and touching you with every jerk that the subway makes, or walk outside in your own space and free to breathe in the fresh air around you. I’ll let you make that decision for yourself.
5. Wear Protective Gear
When I say protective gear I do not mean a helmet or kneepads, but rather hats, sunglasses, and even sunblock. There is a huge lack of trees and shade in the city because the city is made up of numerous buildings and lots and lots of pavement. This means the sun is beating down on you and you are more exposed to it. Make sure to protect yourself in all ways possible from getting sunburnt, overheating, and even skin cancer. You want to live a healthy life for as long as possible!
6. Eat Lots Of Ice Cream!
I know we all having been working on our summer bod all winter and now summer is here so it’s finally time to show it off! But would it really be summer if you didn’t have cold ice cream on a hot day? You’d end up eating it so fast because it’s melting all over you. New York City has so many ice cream joints and even ice cream trucks driving around where you can indulge and cool yourself down. You earned that ice cream girl!
7. Find Cold Water
Not only should you drink lots of water in the summer, you should also find places that have water. Besides taking cold showers in your apartment there are so many rooftop pools or piers on the water. Being closer to the water helps bring in a nice cold breeze and instantly makes you feel cooler while still being outside. What better way to spend a summer afternoon than splashing away in a pool and making new friends? Oh and don’t forget to get a selfie on that swan float.