Thermals are a real pain at low levels on hot summer days and besides if you've got anything stronger than a light breeze, mechanical turbulence will be more felt down in the lower altitudes.
Consult your hemispheric levels and change to cruising at a higher available level. You have a much better view for your cross country navs and you get out of the thermal, turbulent and polluted inversion layers. Only thing additional is to allow more time from your top of descent.
Don't chase the altimeter. Occasional glances and frequent small adjustments will promise a much smoother ride.
