When the weather suddenly jumps from "bring a jumper" to "why is the air attacking me?", my body definitely notices These are the things I genuinely reach for during unexpected heatwaves. Small comforts, cooling essentials, hydration helpers and little swaps that make summer feel a bit more manageable when you live with a chronic illness
Sections
7
Keeping Cool at Home
Hydration Helpers
Gentle Cooling Comforts
My Low-Energy Summer Routine
Summer Emergency Bag
Rest Days Still Deserve Nice Things
Keeping Cool at Home
When leaving the house isn't an option
A quiet but powerful fan has become one of my summer essentials. I move mine from my desk to my bedroom depending on where I'm hiding from the heat
8" White Multidirectional Circulation Desk Fan
Weighted blankets are wonderful... until July arrives. A cooling blanket is so much kinder on flare days
Oodie Cooling Blanket
Keeping the sun out during the hottest part of the day genuinely makes such a difference
Solar Blackout Eyelet Curtains
Perfect if the heat makes sleep even more difficult than usual
Cooling Pillows
One of those purchases you don't think about until the first hot night
Cooling Mattress Topper
Hydration Helpers
Because dehydration makes everything worse
Cold water all day without constantly refilling it? An absolute win
Water Bottle with Straw
Really helpful after particularly hot days or when I've been sweating more than usual
Electrolyte Tablets
Because running out of ice during a heatwave feels oddly catastrophic
Ice Cube Trays with Lid
On brain fog days I genuinely forget to drink enough
Water tracker Waterllama
Gentle Cooling Comforts
Small things that make a surprisingly big difference
Instant relief when my face feels hot or overstimulated. You can pick these up at a drug store for like £/$1
Cooling Face Spray
Lovely after being outside or whenever my skin feels warm
Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Gel
Perfect for headaches, migraines or simply cooling down after work
Cooling Eye Mask
I didn't expect to love one of these as much as I do
Cooling Neck Wrap
Lives permanently in my bag throughout summer
Multi-Coloured Handheld Fan
My Low-Energy Summer Routine
Comfort over productivity.
The softer and looser, the better
Lightweight PJ Set
Basically my entire summer wardrobe
Oversized T-Shirt
If you still need socks but don't want your feet overheating
Women's Summer Ragg Quarter Socks
Ideal for slow mornings without feeling wrapped in a duvet
Lightweight Robe
Summer Emergency Bag
The things I never regret packing
Because phones seem to lose battery faster when it's hot
Anker Portable Chargers
Tiny but genuinely useful
Foldable Handheld Fan
Keeping cool on walks without taking up much space
Luna Daily Spray-to-Wipe Cooling
Honestly, these are just always useful to keep in any bag
Pocket Tissues
One of those little things that's easy to forget
SPF Lip Balm
A gentle formula that doesn't irritate sensitive skin
Travel Size SPF 50 Sunscreen
Rest Days Still Deserve Nice Things
Making being stuck indoors feel a little cosier
Even on rest days, we must keep hydrated. Big enough so you don't have to keep getting up
Quencher Tumbler
Low-energy entertainment without much brain power
Colouring Books
Summer still deserves cosy reading days
Your Favourite Book
Lighter than holding chunky books when fatigue is winning
kindle
I wait until sunset before lighting one, but it still makes everything feel peaceful
Book Club Candle Homesick
Easy Summer Food
For the days cooking simply isn't happening
Quick, easy and much more appealing when it's too hot to eat
Smoothie Blender
Great for preparing drinks ahead of time and to keep cool during the really hot days
Reusable Smoothie Cups
Useful for making food once instead of every day
Meal Prep Containers
Keeps snacks cool if you're out
Insulated Lunch Bags
Look regardless if you're 5 or 55, an ice lolly can just make your sunny, hot day!
