Keeping your body temperature regulated when you go camping or spend time in the wilderness is important in order to stay safe and healthy. Some people are more sensitive than others to hot or cold temperatures, but there are several ways that you can keep your body temperature from dropping too low or rising too high no matter your natural tolerance. Keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings and taking precautions as necessary is important regardless of your standard sensitivity to temperature. Camping and spending time outdoors exposes you to a variety of weather conditions, which means that keeping track of how much heat your body is giving off is even more important than it might be in other situations. Read on to learn why you’re giving off too much body heat and what you can do about it so that you don’t become a statistic.
Why Do I Give Off So Much Body Heat?
You’re Sweating Too Much
If you are sweating excessively, it’s a good indication that you are giving off too much body heat. While sweating is normal and healthy, over-sweating can be dangerous, especially in a low-oxygen environment like the wilderness. Excessive sweating can be a sign of illness or dehydration. If you notice that you are sweating a lot and you feel fine, step one is to find out whether the environment is too hot or humid. It’s easy to get overheated when it’s warm and humid, even if you are fit and healthy. If you’re sweating excessively and it’s not a result of the environment being too warm, the next step is to figure out whether or not you are dehydrated. If you have been drinking plenty of water but are still sweating profusely, it could be a sign that you have a fever.
You’re Breathing Too Much
If you are breathing too fast, this can also be an indication that you are giving off too much body heat. If you notice that you are breathing quickly, take a moment to check your surroundings. If your surroundings are fine, you may be experiencing hyperventilation. Hyperventilation happens when you breathe too quickly and/or too deeply. Symptoms include excessive sweating and feeling anxious, nervous, or out of control. In some cases, you may even experience lightheadedness or a tingling sensation in your hands and feet. Hyperventilation can be caused by a variety of things, including anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and even certain medication. If you notice that you are breathing too quickly, take a moment to check in with yourself and see if you are stressed or feeling particularly anxious. If you are not, it could be an indication of hyperventilation.
The Environment is Too Hot or Humid
If you are spending time in a hot and humid environment, this can cause your body to overheat. Hot, humid environments can be dangerous for people who don’t normally struggle with overheating. If you aren’t used to spending time in a hot and humid environment, you may need to take extra precautions to stay cool. Some people are naturally more sensitive to high temperatures than others, but even people who don’t normally struggle with overheating can find themselves in trouble in a hot environment. If you aren’t used to spending time in a hot environment, you may need to take extra steps to keep your body from overheating and giving off too much body heat. If you are spending time in a hot and humid environment, drink plenty of water and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Aim to stay in the shade as much as possible, and take frequent breaks in cooler, shadier areas if possible. If you aren’t used to spending time in a hot environment, you may also want to bring along an ice pack to place on your wrists, temples, and behind your knees.
Your Clothing Isn’t Breathable Enough
If you are wearing clothing that isn’t breathable enough, it can trap your body heat, causing you to give off too much body heat. This is a particular concern if you are camping in a cold environment and wearing several layers of clothing. Clothing that isn’t breathable can cause you to overheat even in a cool environment, but it’s especially problematic in cold weather. If you are wearing several layers of clothing but aren’t wearing clothing that allows your skin to breathe, you are likely giving off too much body heat and placing yourself at risk for dehydration. If you are camping in a cold environment, make sure that you are wearing clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Lightweight, breathable fabrics, like a wool blend, are a great choice. Avoid wearing too many layers, as this can trap your body heat as well. You may also want to consider bringing along a lightweight, hooded sweatshirt or jacket for cooler evenings.
You Haven’t Been Eating Well
If you haven’t been eating well, you may notice that your body temperature is dropping. If your body is giving off less heat, this is often due to inadequate food intake. If you haven’t been eating well, your body is going to have a harder time regulating itself, increasing the likelihood that you will give off too much body heat. If you haven’t been eating well, you may also notice that you are more likely to get sick. When your immune system is low, you are more likely to contract illnesses and infections and have a harder time fighting them off if you do become sick. When your body is working harder to stay warm, it has less energy to devote to other processes, including fighting off illness.
You’re Dehydrated
If you are dehydrated, you may notice that your body is giving off less heat than it would otherwise. This is because your body is working harder to stay hydrated and regulate itself, which uses up more energy and heat than it would if you were fully hydrated. If you have been spending time outdoors and aren’t drinking enough water, you are at risk of becoming dehydrated. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including overheating. If you aren’t drinking enough water, you may notice that your body is giving off less heat. You may also notice that you are easily becoming overheated or feel thirsty even when you are surrounded by plenty of water. This can lead to hyperthermia, a condition that occurs when your body temperature rises above the normal range. It is important to drink plenty of water and take breaks from activities like hiking and hunting to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
Keeping your body temperature regulated when you go camping or spend time in the wilderness is important in order to stay safe and healthy. Some people are more sensitive than others to hot or cold temperatures, but there are several ways that you can keep your body temperature from dropping too low or rising too high. Keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings and taking precautions when appropriate is important regardless of your natural sensitivity to temperature.
FAQ:
Q: What are your tips for keeping good health while camping/hiking?
A: Movement in the wilderness means the brain will seek to make all necessary precautions going! You can stay healthy and enjoy your time outside by bringing along plant broth with both light and strong, alternative medicine such as Ascaris lumbricoides worm as a food supplement, especially if you have never had them before. If you do not have it yet here is how you utilize it.
Q: What are your tips for keeping good health while camping/hiking?
A: Movement in the wilderness means the brain will seek to make all necessary precautions going! You can stay healthy and enjoy your time outside by bringing along plant broth with both light and strong, alternative medicine such as Ascaris lumbricoides worm as a food supplement, especially if you have never had them before. If you do not have it yet here is how you utilize it.
Q: What are your tips for keeping good health while camping/hiking?
A: Movement in the wilderness means the brain will seek to make all necessary precautions going! You can stay healthy and enjoy your time outside by bringing along plant broth with both light and strong, alternative medicine such as Ascaris lumbricoides worm as a food supplement, especially if you have never had them before. If you do not have it yet here is how you utilize it.
Q: What are your tips for keeping good health while camping/hiking?
A: Movement in the wilderness means the brain will seek to make all necessary precautions going! You can stay healthy and enjoy your time outside by bringing along plant broth with both light and strong, alternative medicine such as Ascaris lumbricoides worm as a food supplement, especially if you have never had them before. If you do not have it yet here is how you utilize it.