As I sit to write this, rain taps gently on my window. The skies are grey, the breeze is cool, and the roads are soaked. Here in my location, we are deep into the rainy season. Heat? Right now, it feels like a faraway memory. But if you ask me what I do to handle the heat, oh, I have stories. Because when the dry season comes knocking, it doesn't knock gently, it barges in like it owns the place.
You see, surviving the heat isn’t just about staying cool. It’s about being smart. It’s about being prepared mentally, physically, and even emotionally. The dry season around here can be extremely harsh. The sun gets so hot, you can almost hear the ground crack. So when it's not raining, my routine changes completely.
First things first: water is life
I don’t joke with hydration. I carry a water bottle around like it’s my phone. Whether I’m home or out running errands, I drink water like my life depends on it, because it actually does. And I don’t just drink plain water; I infuse it with slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint when I can. It gives a refreshing touch and helps keep my system calm and cool.
Clothing also matters a lot
I avoid tight clothes or anything black. My wardrobe shifts to light cotton or linen fabrics, mostly in white, beige, or soft pastels. I go for loose-fitting outfits that allow air to flow freely. If I must step outside during peak sun hours (usually between 12pm and 3pm), I wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella not just for the rain, but to block that fiery sun.
My home setup also plays a huge role
During the dry season, I rearrange my room a bit to avoid sunlight hitting directly on my bed. I use light curtains, sometimes dampen them slightly to allow cool air to blow through. I also place bowls of water in corners of the room to keep humidity up when it’s dry and dusty. And of course, I rely heavily on fans strategically placed and always running.
Food? Oh, I eat light
Fruits like watermelon, oranges, and pineapple become my best friends. I cut down on spicy or heavy meals during the hottest hours because I’ve learned the hard way that heavy food can make the heat feel ten times worse. Cold pap, zobo drink, smoothies, those are my go-tos.
And yes, I rest
There’s no competition in sweating buckets. I slow down. I avoid unnecessary movement, especially when the sun is high. I allow myself the grace to nap, to recharge. Heat can be draining, and one of my biggest lessons is knowing when to pause.
So yes, while it may be cool and rainy right now, I haven’t forgotten how intense the dry season gets. I’ve just learned to listen to my body, understand the season, and adapt my lifestyle around it. For me, it’s not just about surviving the heat, it’s about staying in control of it before it takes control of me.
Images are Ai generated
