How to not question all your life decisions this summer in Florida

It's so hot .

It's so hot the Gulf of Mexico already feels like a bathtub .

It's so hot daily temperatures are smashing 40-year-old records .

Why it matters: Step outside and you'll know — the misery of summer heat has arrived early this year, rendering outdoor activities somewhere between uncomfortable and dangerous .

The bad news: The extreme temperatures are likely here to stay. Forecasters project everywhere in the contiguous U.S. except North Dakota to be hotter than average, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports .

• Meanwhile, the rainy season so far has taken a rain check. Per the National Weather Service Tampa Bay , a lack of rainfall has meant our "natural air conditioning isn't giving us much help."

The good news: There isn't much!

Yes, but: For all you newcomers , we've got some ideas to help you avoid totally losing your minds. (Maybe longtime Floridians will take away some new tips as well.)

🎥 Become that guy who's really into Oscars predictions by frequenting the sweet, cool darkness of your local movie theater.

• Chains such as Regal and AMC are offering family discounts all summer.

🛶 Paddle or tube down a Florida spring, our only bodies of water that don't feel like hot tubs by August.

• Seven Sisters Springs , Rainbow Springs and Weeki Wachee are around an hour drive from St. Pete and Tampa.
• Keep in mind that environmental regulators rolled out new rules this year for the Weeki Wachee River. No more beaching your boats.

💦 Mingle outside one of those luxury condo buildings to make a friend with free access to a fancy pool.

• St. Pete, Tampa and Clearwater public pools are also open for the summer, although sans rooftop bar (check hours before you go).
• And with Swimply or ResortPass , you can pay to play fancy for the day.

🛍️ Go to your nearest Target and buy Megababe's anti-chafing stick . Your inner thighs will thank you. Then head to Trader Joe's to stock up on the retailer's SPF 40 facial sunscreen , an $8.99 Supergoop! dupe sent from the gods.

⛰️ Try this new take on doomscrolling : perusing mountain houses you'll never be able to afford in faraway, less-oppressive lands like North Carolina.

• Or plan a trip there! Our friends at Axios Charlotte and Axios Atlanta have great round-ups of swimming holes in Western North Carolina and Northern Georgia, both within driving distance of Florida.

🐊 Minimize swamp a-- by simply refusing to wear real pants. Bike shorts, exercise dresses and mesh gym shorts are all better options.

Have other ideas on how to beat the heat? Don't gatekeep!

• 📬 Email tampabay@axios.com to let us know.

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