If wearing a mask isn’t uncomfortable enough, try wearing a mask in this summer heat; it’s hot, it’s humid, and probably sticky too! But with coronavirus still roaming free, you don’t have much of a choice when it comes to wearing a mask.

Good news though, there are ways that you can beat this heat, while still protecting yourself.

Avoid extreme heat

If you don’t have to go outside in the day time, then don’t. The extreme heat and humidity makes it harder to breathe through your mask. If you have to go outside, do it first thing in the morning, or later in the evening, or if the errand can wait, then go out on a day when it’s cooler.

Wear a mask when it’s necessary

Here’s something that you probably didn’t know. The risk of being infected with coronavirus is generally lower outdoors where the wind can blow the virus away, and you are maintaining social distance from others. You also do not need to wear a mask in pools and beaches, as these areas are generally safe, as long as you are maintaining social distance from others. In these instances you don’t need to wear a mask.

Make sure your mask material is breathable

Maybe, just maybe you’re hot and suffocating beneath your mask because of the material used to make your mask. Cotton is your best bet, it’s breathable, and its comfortable.

How are you wearing your mask?

Your mask shouldn’t be under your chin, on your forehead, or dangling on your arm, although you may be tempted to put it there because of the heat. But you can make your mask more comfortable by wearing it correctly. Your mask should cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face but loosely on the inside so your breathing isn’t obstructed.

Bring a spare

Instead of one mask, why not two?! If you’re sweating through your mask, then its bound to get sticky. Bringing a change of mask in your bag will help you feel clean throughout the day.