How to Stay Hydrated in a Mascot Costume

Some people think anyone can put on a team's mascot costume and ham it up for a crowd, but anyone who's ever donned a giant head and plush suit knows there's a lot more to a great mascot performance than acting goofy at the game. Read on and learn how you can stay hydrated and increase your endurance in a mascot costume.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Realize that you can lose 8 lbs. of fluid during a game. Drink cold water and sports drinks as often as possible to stay hydrated, replenish lost fluids and help normalize your body temperature.

2. Eat extra salt the day of a performance and weigh yourself before, during and after the game to spot weight loss, a sign of dehydration. The extra salt helps balance your body's electrolytes when you start sweating and losing salt through perspiration.

3. Take at least one break during a game. Since mascots can't remove any part of their costumes in view of the public, make plans to go to a locker room or other secluded area. Eat a light snack, like an energy bar, to keep your blood sugar stable. If it's very hot outside, take a cool shower.

4. Recognize the signs of heat stroke: a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher; strong, rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness or fainting; clumsiness; confusion and nausea. Get medical attention from trainers or paramedics if necessary. Heat stroke can result in permanent brain damage or death.

5. Work out and eat a healthy, balanced diet to condition yourself for the physical demands of being a mascot. Hydrate yourself well before as well as during your performance. Prevention is best when it comes to dehydration and heat stroke.