How to survive the London commute in the heatwave
So you're lucky enough to work in London. Our home city, with admittedly one of the best transport systems in the world (when there's no delays) is one hell of a place. But not when there's a freak heatwave. Here's 5 ways to survive the London commute in the heatwave this summer.
1.Buy a handy fan
We bought a couple of electric hand fans for a recent holiday where *shock horror* there was to be no air conditioning available at night (that’s the trouble you get when sleeping on a boat). But I found myself on the tube this morning arm to arm with my fellow sticky commuters, so out came the fan. Works wonders, but also makes you look menopausal. Anything to cool down, right? Buy one from Amazon.
2. Plenty of drinks
I like to think of a hot commute as similar to a hangover. Uncomfortable, dehydrating and ultimately not worth it. And what do you do when you’re hungover? Get ALL the cold drinks in. We would recommend getting yourself a S’well or Chilly’s bottle (which will keep cold drinks cold, and hot drinks hot) and fill it with an ice cold drink of your choice. If you’re really extra you might consider getting two – In the morning fill one with iced black coffee, and the other with ice cold water with a few ice cubes. On your way back from work, fill one with ice cold rosé for a refreshing summer tipple. You’ll stay cool, and the rosé will without doubt make your commute quicker and more entertaining.
3. Cover up
This sounds weird but hear me out. If you’re covering up your legs or arms, your trousers/sleeves will mop up any of your stray sweat, and you will also be protecting yourself from mixing perspiration with other sweaty people.
4. Give yourself plenty of time
Sounds obvious, but this is easier said than done. One thing I was taught by my father (who should be awarded a lifetime achievement award for commuting to central London for 35 years) was to NEVER ever ever, run for a train. I’ve seen many people fall over, get stuck in doors, and hurt themselves by running for trains. And you know what they’re left with? Usually a sprained ankle and ALWAYS a broken spirit. It’s super embarrassing when rushing doesn’t pay off – and a hot red face from embarrassment is the last thing you need when you’re already cooking alive waiting for the Central Line.
5. Give up your seat
One thing I learnt from my short while of commuting, is that people are hell bent against giving up their seat. One of the things I hate about commuting is that during rush hour no one will give up their seat for anything. I have time and time again offered my seat up for the pregnant, elderly and ill. I’ve even forgone several ice cold bottles of water that I’ve bought for myself during a hot commute to give to people who are feeling ill. If you can do one good thing during the commute, have the common courtesy and let less abled people then yourself have a pew. And look after each other.
How do you survive the heatwave in London? Comment below or message me on Insta @lucyhitchcock_