The weather the past few weeks has been exceptionally hot, despite some rain here and there, and we can expect this to continue for the next few weeks.

Kedah is already facing drought and water rationing. Hopefully, the state sees rain soon, and the rest of the country will not suffer a similar fate too.

Since the weather is out of our control, here are some tips on how you can manage the effects of it.

1) Hydrate

Just stepping out of the house for five minutes can make you sweat like you ran a marathon! OK, ok... We may be exaggerating just a little bit, but our point is, you sweat more than usual so you need to replace the water you lose.

Our bodies need water to function, just like plants, so make sure you hydrate lest you wilt. Don't wait till you feel thirsty either. Just keep drinking water at regular intervals.

Since we're talking about sweating, here's a little PSA: please use deodorants and save other people the torture of your BO.

2) Wear loose clothes

Loose and thin clothes (preferably made from natural materials such as cotton and linen) allow better airflow and keeps you more comfortable.

If you work in a super cold office as we do, try to layer instead of wearing thicker clothes so you can remove the extra layer/s when you go out.

3) Use sunblock or sunscreen

We didn't even know that sunblock and sunscreen are two different things. Apparently, the former blocks UV radiation from penetrating the skin, while the latter absorbs the rays, so it doesn't affect your skin.

The function of both, however, is essentially the same, i.e. protecting your skin from the effects of the sun. Pick the one that suits your needs and preferences, and you're ready to face the glaring sun!

Why is this important? Well, prolonged exposure to sun not only damages your skin but can even cause cancer. There's only so much the melanin in our skin could do to protect against the sun, so give 'em the help they need.

4) Carry an umbrella

We know it's a little mafan to carry an umbrella around, but it really helps protect your skin against the sun.

Instead of looking for shade when you leave a building, carry one with you!

5) Avoid going out when the sun is the hottest

Ever experienced headaches, dizziness or just general discomfort when you're out and about? You can avoid that by staying in.

Try to run your errands in the mornings or evenings, and limit outdoor activities.

Lucky for us, the sun only sets after 7 pm, so there's plenty of time between when the sun is not as bright and sunset to enjoy some time outdoors.


There you have it. All we said may sound simple and obvious, but many of us often forget to take care of ourselves during times like these.

Remember guys, self-love is essential.