The Quick Report

10 Ways To Cope With The Dog Days Of Summer

It’s that time of year where we all turn into Lana Del Rey because we got that summertime sadness. The last month of summer, also known as the dog days of summer, is the WORST time of year. Hear are some tips of how to cope with it.

10. Stay Hydrated

woman in black tank top drinking water
Photo by engin akyurt

Chug, chug chug, chug! And no I don’t mean chug a beer. Chug that water. It is too darn hot out there. And the days are only going to get hotter as these dog days continue to slog on. Don’t just drink water to cool down. Drink for the sake of your health. No one wants heat exhaustion.

9. Go For A Swim

woman floating on body of water
Photo by Haley Phelps

After you’re done drinking your water, become one with the water. Take a dip in the pool or take a trip to the beach. Is there a lake or a river near you? Try tubing! But remember to wear your sunscreen. The sun is particularly evil during the dog days of summer.

8. Go See A Movie

a person sitting in a chair in front of a projection screen
Photo by Marius GIRE

It would be awesome to spend the day outside before the autumn winds start blowing. But you can’t do that during the dog days, because as we have already established, THE SUN IS TRYING TO KILL YOU! So sit in a nice dark room with some popcorn and a soda and enjoy Deadpool & Wolverine.

7. Treat Yourself To Some Ice Cream

person holding icecream
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

After you have chugged your eight gallons of water and eaten your popcorn? Treat yourself to the summery treat of our childhood. Get a couple of scoops of your favorite flavor and relax in the shade. I recommend a cup. It’s too hot for a cone. Nobody wants a soggy cone.

6. Make Some Lemonade

lemon on glass Mason jar
Photo by Kelly Brito

Yeah, you can always go out and buy some lemonade. But you have already paid for a movie, popcorn, and ice cream. You’re not made of money! So grab some lemons and sugar and make some lemonade in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you don’t have lemons, just wait. Life will hand you some shortly. 

5. Host A Movie Night or Game Night

Home movie night
Openverse

Did you know that Seasonal Affective Disorder can hit in the summer? Yeah! It’s not just for winter. If you are feeling a little low, invite some friends over, order some pizza, and just hang out. You can play board games or card games. Or you can stream a fun campy horror film or a silly romantic comedy.

4. Go Ice Skating

person wearing hockey skates
Photo by Vasilios Muselimis

I know what you’re thinking. Skating? In the summer? You have gone mad! Check and see if your local area has a year-round skating rink. It’s a great way to get some fun exercise in a nice, cool building.

3. Finish Any Forgotten Projects

person holding pencil near laptop computer
Photo by Scott Graham

Not only are we suffering through the dog days of summer. We also have to deal with Mercury in retrograde. When Mercury is in retrograde, it’s important to finish any projects that you’re working on. (However, you may want to leave any outdoor projects for the fall.)

2. Water Balloon Fight!

person holding pink balloons
Photo by Tim Cooper

Even though the sun is trying to kill you, you may still want to play outside. Don’t worry, I’ll only silently judge you. A great way to stay cool while playing outside is to have a good old fashioned water balloon fight. Awaken your inner child and pummel your best friend with plastic sacks of water.

Read More: 10 Mocktail Ideas to Keep You Cool in This Heat

1. Be Thankful That The Best Season (Autumn) Is Right Around The Corner

a man and a woman walking in the woods
Photo by Takahiro Sakamoto

The number one way to get over the malaise that is brought on by the dog days of summer is to look toward the future. Soon September will welcome us with open arms. There will be leaves, pumpkin spice, and Halloween decorations, and we will be truly happy for a couple of months. In the meantime, eat your ice cream and listen to that Lana Del Rey song.

Read More: 10 Tips for a Comfy Summer Wedding