The rainy season in Nigeria runs from April through October. Prior to this time of the year, the scorching rays of the sun and the heat it brings leave Nigerians praying for a more human-friendly temperature.

The rainy season is awaited by everyone as it brings some kind of relief from the scorching heat of summer.

But this season also has its share of woes on our health. The sudden change of weather, fluctuation in temperature, and the highly humid air are a situation our bodies would need to adjust to as it’s important to stay safe and healthy during this period. Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.

Below are the best tips to help you stay fit during this rainy season:

1. BE WEATHER CONSCIOUS

Before heading out, make sure to check the weather and traffic information through reliable sources like the news on the radio, TV, and the internet (where you’re reading this).

No one can predict the weather 100% accurately, but those in charge of that field do a pretty neat job.

Having this information would allow you to make calculated decisions like what routes to pass to avoid traffic or where not to go to avoid a downpour.

2. GET PROPERLY COVERED

The most effective way not to get sick during the rainy season is to wear the type of clothing that suits the weather.

Wearing clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibers helps to maintain body heat. Cotton is also effective if the garment stays dry. Wear several layers of thin, loose-fitting clothing rather than one thick one. Wear good-fitting socks and slippers in the house. Sweaters, blankets, and duvets are necessary household items in cold weather. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures.

3. STAY WELL NOURISHED BY EATING AND DRINKING ENOUGH

Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors.

Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, is also important. Your body uses those nutrients as energy to stay warm in cold temperatures.

Take hot drinks such as hot tea, vegetable soup, ginger tea, etc. to keep the body warm always. Also, consider a hot pepper soup garnished with herbs and other healthy spices that rejuvenates and cleanses the system to help you from catching a cold. This will also save you from getting any kind of infection occurring due to sudden changes in the temperature of the body.

4. TURN OFF AIR CONDITIONERS

The use of air conditioners should be reduced. Some people who regularly use air conditioners during the hot season may find out that they can cope without the air conditioner during the cold or rainy seasons. Apart from the health implications, turning off ACs saves energy and money.

Do not enter an air-conditioned room with wet hair and damp clothes to prevent getting a viral fever or cold and cough. Go for a shower immediately if you get wet in the rain to protect yourself from colds and other infections. More so, for those who stay mostly in air-conditioned environs (offices), this period may be a time you want to regulate how often or high you leave that AC on while working.

5. INVEST IN DURABLE RAINPROOF GEAR

Stock up on everything that would protect you from getting drenched. From Umbrellas to Raincoats, to shower caps for the ladies, and down to weather-friendly shoes. The perfect way to survive unpredictable downpours is to go about with a portable umbrella or have one permanently in your car.

6. INVEST IN SUITABLE FOOTWEAR

If it’s raining, make sure your outerwear and footwear are suitable.

This is also the season to invest in rubber shoes or jelly slides as it’s popularly called, make sure you purchase a pair or two.

Furthermore, avoid water-penetrated clothes because they can decrease your body temperature and put you at high risk of catching a cold. Also, ensure you avoid too-tight shoes because it only constricts blood flow thereby causing your feet to become even colder.

7. GET AN UMBRELLA/RAINCOAT

There are several reasons that will take one out of the house or keep one out late. It could be work, a party, whatever it is, it is essential always to have an umbrella or raincoat as it might suddenly begin to rain while one is still out. If one is drenched in the rain, then one is at risk of catching a cold. Umbrellas help you go anywhere even when it seems to be raining heavily. You should make sure there are enough umbrellas in your home. You should also keep several umbrellas in your car. It is one of the easiest ways to be ready when stepping out with your family into the rain. You can have mini umbrellas in your child(ren)’s bag or foldable raincoats (they come in cute cartoon designs nowadays).

8. TAKE WARM SHOWERS

Put aside the cold showers for now because warm/hot showers are the reasonable way to go unless you’re planning to have a cold (so you have an excuse from work).

It’s even more reason that if you get drenched in rain, you should take a warm shower as soon as you can to raise your body temperature. And honestly, it feels good. Think of being in a sauna.

9. INTAKE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Intake of fruits and vegetables should be on the rise during this period. Vitamin C is a common element in most fruits that help fight cold. Vit C is an important antioxidant that the body uses to keep you strong and healthy. Vitamin C is used in the maintenance of bones, muscle, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also assists in the formation of collagen and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C is found naturally in vegetables and fruits, especially oranges and other citrus fruits. Vit C is also available as a natural dietary supplement and chew-able tablets and they help fight colds always.

10. STAY WELL RESTED

Working outdoors can be challenging, and increases risks to your safety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert on the job when conditions are more dangerous.
If you do not need to step out when it rains, it’s best to stay indoors and make the most of it. There are many fun activities to do indoors too like board games, coffee dates, and so on.

11. STAY DRY

Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat as you work. Wear waterproof gear as an outer shell to prevent your underlayers from getting wet. Remove any wet clothing immediately.

12. GET AN ALTERNATIVE POWER OPTION

For some reason, in Nigeria, when the rains come down, the power goes out. Rather than be stuck in darkness until the rains subside, Handle power outages like a genius. Invest in a durable power alternative. A generator, an Inverter, a UPS, Stabilisers, or even a power bank are all it takes for your comfort. Bridge the gap between an epileptic power supply and the good life with any of these options.

13. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFECTION

All sorts of viruses and infections causing illnesses like fever, flu, common cold, etc, are out now so you want to protect yourself from those by always being hygienic.

Wash your hands regularly and sanitize them. Always be well covered and avoid stepping in any dirty puddles.

Mosquitoes have the time of their lives this season because of all the puddles and stagnant water.

Try as much as possible to install mosquito nets, use mosquito coils, and use mosquito sprays and mosquito repellant creams before heading out.

14. MOVE AROUND

If you feel extremely cold, heat up your body a bit by moving around to stay warm. Standing still will only make you feel colder.

Thanks for following and reading,

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Stay Safe, Stay Dry, and Protected in this rainy season.

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