Warm weather mistake that makes you even hotter - and everybody does it

Over the past few weeks, many of us here in the UK have been basking in some very warm spring . The mercury has been peaking in the high 20s, which is rare - and especially at this time of year.

Because of this, it's likely you'll have spent more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. And it can be hard to cool off effectively when you go back inside. However, according to , there's one thing that you should never do if you want a bit of relief - but many of us will be guilty of it anyways.

"Cold showers feel refreshing at first, but they can actually cause your body to hold onto heat," said Brian Clarke, expert at UK Saunas.

"Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict, reducing heat loss through the skin. As a result, you may end up feeling even hotter once you step out."

Instead of shocking your system with icy water, Brian recommended a counterintuitive but scientifically backed approach: lukewarm or even warm showers.

"Research shows that warm water helps activate your body's natural cooling system," he said.

"It boosts circulation to the skin's surface, encouraging heat to escape. And as water evaporates from your skin afterwards, it produces a longer-lasting cooling effect."

This approach is backed by the National Sleep Foundation, which advised that during extreme heat, some individuals "do better taking hot showers and hot baths when the room temperature is very high."

"Short, cold showers don't give the body enough time to cool properly and may even halt sweat production, which is one of the body's key methods of temperature regulation. Meanwhile, a tepid or warm shower gently encourages heat dissipation and leaves you feeling cooler for longer," Brian added.

How to cope during a heatwave

When the weather is warm, water is your best friend. Drink plenty throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty - hydration helps regulate body temperature and prevents fatigue or heat-related illness.

Dabbing or running cool water over pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, inner elbows, and behind the knees, can provide instant relief because these areas help regulate your core body temperature.

And although fans on their own are good, they work best when paired with other cooling methods, so try positioning a bowl of ice or a damp cloth in front to help circulate cooler air.