'I'd been doing summer all wrong until I discovered these 5 tricks.'

Thanks to our brand partner, POSCA HYDRATE

We always seem to long for the season we're not currently in. When it's frosty and dark in the depths of an Australian August, we dream of sunny days, salty skin and balmy nights. Then, when they finally roll around, we often realise how fierce summer can be in this great southern land. However, I do believe summer to be the most joyous season of all — especially once I realised how to tackle it properly.

Instead of fighting the harsh and scorching conditions, I learnt how to work with them. Once I mastered that, summer became, dare I say, flawless.

Here are the five tricks to make your summer dreamy as ever:

1. Stop pretending it's not 34 degrees outside.

This might seem obvious, but when we're on holidays from work we tend to relish the idea of sleeping in. A good, restful idea — in theory. In practice, it means you're waking up sweaty and heading straight into the heat of the day. Instead, try waking up a smidge earlier, around 8am or before. You don't need to rush around, but you can prioritise things like movement or dog-walking at this time.

Besides, after you've spent long hours in the sun and possibly swimming in the ocean or pool, you're bound to be sleepy come afternoon. Trade your sleep-ins for a post-dip arvo nap, accompanied by the blasting fan. You'll be much more relaxed and cool when evening rolls around.

2. Keep yourself refreshed.

It's hard enough trying to get the standard 2 litres of fluids in a day all year round, but in summer, it becomes more important than ever. That's why it's a good idea to have some electrolyte options available in the fridge at all times — something to refresh and replenish.

My personal favourite are the Posca Hydrate drinks. They're super hydrating, sparkling and sugar-free, making them the perfect alternative to sickly soft drinks. Plus, they come in a variety of unique flavours: yuzu, grape or pineapple — a nice balance of salty, sour and sweet options. Alongside electrolytes, they also contain prebiotics so they're gut-loving and delicious. Honestly the ideal cold, fizzy beverage to have in the fridge, perfect for that afternoon refresh or something to have on offer when friends pop by unannounced. They're off work too, so you can bet they will.

3. Lower the bar on socialising.

I don't mean you should ditch and avoid your friends during this time, I just mean you should consider shaking up what that actually looks like. Avoid meeting up in the height of the day when the sun is high and your battery is likely to diminish quickly. Instead, book in early morning strolls or evening drinks and nibbles. No one wants to be sweating over a hot stove all day in the summer heat, so it's best to skip out on the lavish lunches on super hot days that require you to sweat and fret for hours.

Lean on something that's low-stakes and low-effort. Everyone loves a fruit platter and charcuterie board. Summer is the ultimate girl-dinner season.

4. Dress for the temperature.

Another one that seems glaringly obvious, but for some reason we all struggle to let go of our favourite pair of jeans when summer rolls around. I know, I know, jeans and a nice top are the easiest go-to outfit, but you'll almost certainly live to regret it when it's nearing 8pm and the sun has only just begun to set on a 30+ degree day. Opt for light-weight, natural fabrics that don't cling and promote excess sweating. Linen trumps polyester here. It's also a good idea to lean on sandals over boots or sneakers — the feet help regulate your body temperature. Keep them cool and let those puppies breathe.

5. Protect yourself from the sun.

We all know how important it is to slip, slop, slap, but seriously, nothing will make you more uncomfortable in the heat than sunburn. Not to mention all of the health risks that come with tanning.

Do yourself a favour and keep an eye on the UV index and protect yourself with sunscreen, shade and protective clothing when it's at its highest. Keep your exposure minimal during the day and set your outdoor activities for earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the UV rays aren't so harsh. You'll benefit from the relief now, and Future You will definitely be grateful.

While these how-to-handle-summer tips and tricks might not feel like brand new information to some, it's the special combination of them all that will make your summer feel much more manageable. It's the most beautiful time of year in our country, but certainly the most extreme. Be prepared: plan your days, stay cool, protected and hydrated. You won't regret it.

Grab Posca Hydrate from Amazon.

Feature image: Supplied.

Ancient wisdom, remixed for the battles of modern life.
A 2,000-year-old recipe, reimagined as a sparkling functional drink, Posca is your hydrating, energising, gut-loving, zero sugar health elixir, with flavour that hits.
Bold flavour. Big benefits. No regrets. Posca Hydrate is wellness that actually tastes good.