5 easy, fun ways to keep your cool this summer

(BPT) – You know they’re coming — those “dog days” of summer when you’d think you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. While some parts of summer are nothing but fun, it’s important to find ways to stay cool so you can keep on enjoying the sunshine.Here are some tips to help you keep yourself — and your whole family — nice and cool, whatever you’re doing this summer.1. Have it made in the shadeEspecially when you’re being active outdoors, staying out of the bright sun during the peak midday hours can help take the heat down a notch. Take advantage of natural shade like leafy trees or use whatever shade is available where you are. Another option is to bring along a large umbrella to help you get a reprieve from the full sunlight. Even a wide-brimmed hat can help you enjoy a bit of shade. Remind kids to take a break in the shade, too — it’s easy to forget when you’re out playing with your friends.2. Learn to pace yourselfWhen you or the kids are exerting a lot of energy doing outdoor chores, exercising or playing sports, it’s important to recognize when you might be overdoing it — before that happens. Remind yourself to take more than your usual breaks from exertion when it’s hot outside, even when you’re having a lot of fun.3. Enjoy a cold, tasty treatNothing tastes better and cools you off quicker on a hot day than a stop at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Churned fresh every morning and throughout the day in each restaurant, a fresh batch of their delicious Frozen Custard always awaits you. It’s slowly churned to create a rich, creamy treat the whole family will enjoy. You can order online or via their app for pickup, drive-through, delivery or to eat in at one of their many locations on Freddys.com/order. Choose vanilla, chocolate or half and half, plus up to 5 of their 26 tasty toppings, from fresh strawberries and pecans to sweet treats like cheesecake pieces, Heath toffee and hot caramel. Freddy’s frozen custard can be topped in a sundae, blended into concrete or mixed into a shake or malt — it’s up to you. Need a whole meal? Enjoy one of their famous Steakburgers made with 100% premium beef and hand-crafted right when you order to ensure freshness. The patties have thin, crispy edges and a thicker, juicy middle. Visit Freddys.com to learn more.4. Hydrate oftenTake frequent sips from your water bottle, no matter what you’re doing in the heat. Be sure to pack extra water bottles if you’re going to be outside for a while, and include ice inside the bottles to help your water stay nice and cool. Kids also need reminders to take frequent drinks while they’re playing.5. Let water cool you downBeing in and around any form of water is one of the best — and most fun — ways to stay cool, whether you’re swimming, dangling your feet in the water or just splashing around. Try using a portable misting fan to help you stay comfortable in the heat. Or if you’re bringing along a cooler, pack a few damp washcloths along with your cold pack that you can place on your face or neck for a quick cooldown. When all else fails, go ahead and run through the sprinkler! You’re never too old to enjoy that refreshing feeling.These easy tips will help you beat the heat all summer long, so you can have a blast with your friends and family.