Summers in Texas aren’t just hot, they’re brutal. We are constantly searching for ways to stay cool in the summer heat. When you’ve been working or spending time outside in the blazing sun, nothing sounds better than jumping straight into a cold shower, right?
Not so fast.
While it might seem like the fastest way to cool down, going from extreme heat to sudden cold can do more harm than good. At Pogo Energy, we care about helping you stay safe, make smart decisions, and be as comfortable as possible, so let’s break down what’s happening in your body when you get hot and explore better, safer ways to cool down.
Your Body in the Extreme Texas Heat
When you’re working in the Texas sun—whether it’s yardwork, construction, or just running errands—your body heats up quickly. To cool down in the summer heat, your body starts:
- Sweating to release heat through evaporation
- Dilating blood vessels (called vasodilation) to push warm blood closer to the surface of your skin
- Increasing heart rate to circulate blood faster and manage temperature
In short, your body is doing everything it can to avoid overheating. If you overheat or experience heat exhaustion, your body is already under significant stress. The last thing it needs is a sudden temperature shock from an ice-cold shower.
The Problem With Cold Showers After Heat Exposure
Here’s why that icy blast to cool your body down might not be such a great idea:
- Sudden Cold Causes Vasoconstriction
Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict, which can trap heat inside your core instead of releasing it. This can make your body temperature rise—the exact opposite of what you are trying to do. - Heart Stress
A rapid switch from heat to cold can stress your cardiovascular system. For people with underlying health conditions, shocking the system with a cold shower can be straight up dangerous. - False Sense of Recovery
You may feel cooled off, but your internal temperature might still be high, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or even heatstroke if you go back outside and expose yourself to the Texas heat too soon.
Instead of a Cold Shower, Try These Safer, More Effective Ways to Cool Down
Instead of jumping into a freezing shower, try these Texan-approved ways to stay cool during the summer heat:
1. Start with Lukewarm Water
- Begin your shower with lukewarm or slightly cool water.
- Gradually decrease the temperature as your body adjusts.
- This helps your body cool down gently without going into shock.
2. Hydrate First
- Drink cool (not ice-cold) water immediately after coming indoors.
- Add electrolytes if you’ve been sweating a lot—coconut water or electrolyte drinks can help.
3. Use a Cool, Damp Towel
- Apply a wet towel to your neck, wrists, or forehead.
- These are pulse points where your blood vessels are close to the skin, helping your body cool faster.
4. Rest in the Shade or Indoors with a Fan
- Sit near a fan or in air conditioning for a few minutes before showering.
- Let your core temperature start to drop before doing anything drastic.
5. Take a Foot Soak
- Cool water foot baths are a gentle way to lower body temperature.
- The feet have tons of blood vessels and nerve endings—perfect for subtle, safe cooling.
Stay Cool, Stay Safe- The Pogo Energy Way
At Pogo Energy, we know how intense Texas heat can be—especially when you’re trying to stay on top of work, family, and your electric bill. That’s why we believe in smart energy choices and even smarter self-care habits.
Whether you’re outside mowing the lawn or coming in from a long shift, be kind to your body. Skip the shock of a freezing shower and try a safer, more effective cool-down routine instead. Your heart, your health, and your energy levels will thank you.
And while you’re staying cool, let us help keep your energy costs down. With Pogo Energy’s pay-as-you-go electricity, there are no credit checks, no deposits, and no surprises—just flexibility and control, even in the hottest months.
Stay cool. Stay safe. Choose Pogo Energy for power that works with your life and on your terms.