Higher temperatures will also increasingly affect Germany – so what is the best way to deal with the heat in everyday life? We can learn from southern European countries.
Summers are getting hotter and hotter – even in Germany. This is one of the most obvious consequences of climate change. To deal with the increasing heat stress in our otherwise rather temperate climate, we can learn a thing or two from southern European countries. The population there is used to hotter summers and can rely on tried and tested measures to combat the heat. They know better what to do in the heat and how to be an expert in Betting.
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1 What to do in the heat? A different rhythm
Public life in southern European countries often only really begins in the evening.
In many southern European countries, the daily rhythm is slightly different due to the heat. People use the cooler early morning hours and especially the late evening for work and outdoor activities. During the hot midday hours, there is a longer break to catch up on lost sleep. This is known as a siesta in Spain, a “siesta” in Portugal, and a “riposo” in Italy.
During the siesta, many Spanish stores are closed between 2 pm and 5 pm and offices take a longer lunch break. This has its origins in the south of the country, where it gets so hot around midday that farmers used to be unable to work during this time. However, as there are now fewer farmers and many buildings are equipped with air conditioning, the siesta is becoming less important in Spain too – at least in the sense of the supposedly long midday nap. A study was able to debunk this idea as a modern myth: only 18% of Spaniards regularly take a nap after lunch. Most Spaniards nowadays tend to use lunchtime to go to the gym or spend time with their families.
Nevertheless, the basic idea behind the shifted daily rhythm makes perfect sense: activities that take place outdoors should be scheduled for the morning or late evening so that you can spend the hottest hours of the day indoors. Incidentally, these do not usually fall directly at lunchtime – another myth. The highest temperatures are often only measured between 5 and 6 pm.
- eat light and drink a lot
Gazpacho is a typical Spanish soup that is suitable as a light dish in hot weather. Heat can put a strain on the body. Our circulation and metabolism in particular can suffer. To prevent the body from having to do heavy digestive work on hot days, light and refreshing food plays an important role in southern European cuisine.
In Spain, gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, or salmorejo, a slightly thicker version, are often served. The Bulgarian equivalent of gazpacho is tarator, a cooling cucumber soup with yogurt, dill, and chopped walnuts.
Tapas are also suitable for hot days. Your appetite is often not so big when it’s hot, so it’s better to eat several small dishes throughout the day than three large meals.
As a cool drink, Spaniards like to drink café con hielo: freshly brewed, hot, and possibly sweetened coffee poured over ice cubes.
In general, you should drink enough in the heat. Water, ayran, tea, and homemade thirst quenchers are a good choice, whereas high-proof alcohol should not be part of your drink selection. At high temperatures, alcohol has a faster and more intense effect. Alcohol also draws additional water and minerals from the body. If you still want something alcoholic, very light beers or diluted alcoholic drinks such as the Spanish Sangría are suitable.
- the right clothing in the heat
Loose, long clothing and a head covering help to combat the heat. “Less is more” is not necessarily the motto that southern Europeans follow when choosing their clothes. They know that: Long, loose-fitting garments help in the heat. The reason is that there is a light, cooling breeze under the loose clothing when there is a little breeze. Clothes made from breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal.
Hats are also standard equipment for many people in southern Europe. They provide shade and protect against UV radiation. You should also not forget sunscreen to avoid sunburn. UV-protective clothing is suitable for children.
You can also copy a heat-suitable accessory from Spanish fashion: the fan. You can use it to fan your face with a light breeze even in the heat.