Once upon a time it was 45 degrees in Melbourne, the sand was beyond tolerable, the sun was merciless, and I thought the combination of a super-sized slurpee from the local 7-eleven and a bottle of Pimms was my best strategy to keeping cool whilst enjoying my day on the beach. Fast forward to later that evening, and I was throwing up water for the next 12 hours with probably the worst head ache of my life, sun stroke isn’t fun and it’s best to learn from my mistakes. (Note: If you ever are unfortunate enough to fall victim to sun stroke, you’ll find laughing is up there with one of the most painful actions. For this reason, learn from my other mistake, and avoid watching Wolf of Wall Street at all costs: I was crying from pain and laughter simultaneously).

Demonstrates both the moment in the movie I laughed so hard I thought my brain was going to explode, and how I looked like doing it.

I try to do my best to research before I type, and understand heat stroke/ sun stroke is a serious diagnosis – and if you do experience such horror Dr. Google does stress you should call emergency services/ seek medical treatment immediately. I think I opted for the – I’m going to stay on the family couch with a bag of frozen beans on my head and a bucket in front of me whilst everyone gives me sympathy approach. Which didn’t really work out, as everyone was pretty much calling me an idiot and said I only had myself to blame. Again, learn from my mistakes, at least medical professionals at least offer some form of bed side manners and support.

So! Long story short, I’ve devised a couple of tips in preparation for summer. And as I mentioned before, I try to research the topic before posting, and when I came up with results such as Avocado Margaritas and Kombucha Long Island Iced Tea I realised that the internet needed some more palatable advice…

Numero Uno!

Let’s get the obvious out of the way – water is your best mate if you’re going to have a big one under the hole punched O-Zone! However when I read googles solution of “Consider ordering your beverage mixed with a bit of water — some whiskey experts believe adding water brings out the alcohol’s deeper flavours.” I slightly died inside. (Sure, add a drop or two to open up a cask strength whisky, or add more to completely destroy it. Either way.) Don’t basterdize a beautiful drink to reach you hydration quota, drink water before and after said creations.  Make a drinking game out of it, not quite as exciting as beer pong however does sound more exciting then spending the night feeling like you’re in the seventh circle of hell.

You put the lime in the coconut…water.

Coconut water is my secret weapon when it comes to hangovers due to its hydrating abilities, and I personally think it’s delicious. Have you ever tried a coconut water mojito? Friggin’ delicious. Click here for a recipe. Or not that keen on coconut water? Try freezing it into ice blocks, and the slowly melting electrolytes will secretly seep into your body like a ninja.

The lyrics Harry Nilsson forgot to add.

In Summary

I wanted to add more life tips from a hypocrite, however I think being punished enough in primary school with the ‘no hat = no play’ rule, we’ve been encoded to know that being sun smart is of the utter most importance, not just in life, but also whilst enjoying a cheeky bevy. So! That said, slip, slop and slap. Enjoy this currently amazing weather, I’ll start compiling a list of venues where to do so, and try to avoid resembling the gif above.

Prost!