There are a million reasons to move South, from the food to the people- you can find something useful for anyone. Northerners like to dream about the cooler weather and warmer waters and start looking at Columbia houses for sale before the reality of the weather can set in. Southern climate can get hot! Above that, it can get so muggy that many people can hardly take a step without sweating.
If you’re not used to these conditions, and you move expecting paradise, it can force the need for a huge adjustment period. Here are the top ways to adjust and some tips to make it easier for you!
What To Wear
Light colors and thin fabrics are your best friend in the South. The thin material will let your skin breathe, and the soft colors keep the sun from absorbing and making it hot against your skin. Loose dresses, shorts, and shirts are all wonderful because you won’t feel so cluttered in fabric. Avoid anything heavier than cotton. Layers can be your friend since they’ll let you undress through the day as it gets warmer and layer up for any unexpected afternoon rain.
What To Do
Drink lots of water, and eat foods that are naturally higher in water. Luckily the South has tons of cheap fruit and vegetables to keep you hydrated! From watermelon to tomatoes, you can use these to supplement the water you’re already drinking.
Wear hats and keep sunscreen on. Caps will keep your face cooler and keep the sun off it, so you don’t have to squint frequently. Keeping sunscreen in your bag or car will give you a safety backup in case you end up spending a lot of time in the sun. Sun damage is horrible for the skin and can leave you with terrible sunburns for weeks.
Pay attention to temperatures. The average temperature is critical, and the ‘feels like’ temperature, which will tell you what kind of wear and tear it’ll do on your body. The weather channel app may say it’s 80 degrees out, but if the ‘feels like’ temp is over 90, it’ll be hard to deal with.
Warnings
If you stop sweating, despite feeling incredibly hot, you need to get out of the heat and drink some fluids immediately. Heatstroke is a horrible illness to live through and can even turn deadly in dire cases. When you stop sweating, your body can’t regulate your temperature anymore, and you’ll quickly burn up. Pay attention to your body’s warning signs.
Sunscreen is a must! Please don’t be shy about slathering it on thick and often. Although the southern belle cliche is to be a nice golden tan, don’t attempt it if you’re fair-skinned.
Regardless of skin color, sun damage can cause cancer and other illnesses. You can enjoy your fun in the sun, but be aware of how much UV light you’re taking in.
Bugs are horrible! In most of the South there’s a real problem with mosquitoes. These insects bite through pants, skirts, and shirts without much trouble. If you’re going to be outside for an extended period in the summer, wear some bug blocker, or get protective clothing that will be too thick for them.
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