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Keeping cool in the summer heat

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Keeping cool in the summer heat

Summertime is here, which means the weather is heating up! For some, this is the most wonderful time of year. But for others, the summer heat can be downright unbearable. If you fall into the latter category, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to stay cool and comfortable during those hot summer months. I’ll give you a few tips for staying cool in the summer heat.

Summer girl? Nah.

Hot is not cozy. It’s not sitting by the fireplace sipping on hot chocolate. Instead, it’s lying in your bed at 3 am, trying to will your air conditioner to lower the temperature even just one degree. 

It’s summertime, so the temperatures are rising, and the sun is shining. While summer can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors, it can also be scorching and uncomfortable.

Don’t get me wrong; I love the idea of summertime. I mean, what’s not to love? The long days, the BBQs, the beach trips. But I could do without the heat when it comes to the actual temperature. You see, I generally run hot, so when the mercury starts to creep up, I begin to get a bit miserable. In fact, I actually moved north in search of cooler temperatures!

Living in the steamy South for over a decade, I’ve tried all sorts of things to stay cool in the summer heat, from frozen towels to personal fans. And while air conditioning is definitely a summer lifesaver, there are days when there’s just no escaping the hot.

So, over the years, I’ve collected a few tips for staying cool in summer. From wardrobe choices to cooling foods and beverages, these suggestions have helped me make it through summer without melting into a puddle…

Ways to Stay Cool: The Basics

Summertime is all about fun in the sun… but sometimes the sun can be a little too much. If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, here are a few basics that can help:

Stay inside

Let’s face it; sometimes it’s just too hot to be outside. The sun is blazing, the pavement is sizzling, and you can feel the sweat dripping down your back before you’ve even left the house. But instead of toughing it out in the heat, why not spend a day in the air conditioning where it’s cool and comfortable? There are plenty of fun things to do indoors, from watching movies to playing games to simply relaxing in front of a fan. 

Try to avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day, which are typically from 10 am to 4 pm. If you must be outdoors, make sure to find a shady spot and take breaks often to stay cool. And if you’re planning on being in the sun for extended periods, don’t forget to put on sunscreen!

And if you don’t have air conditioning at home, hit up a library, coffee shop, or catch a movie.

Dress for the weather

Yes, fashion is important. But what’s the point of looking good if you’re not comfortable? That’s why, when it comes to dressing for the weather, the function should always come first. When it’s hot out, reach for the light, airy fabrics that will help you stay cool and comfortable. Natural fibers like linen and cotton are excellent choices, as they tend to be more breathable than synthetic materials. And if you’ll be spending time in direct sunlight, opt for light colors that will reflect the heat. Trust me; you’ll thank me later.

Keep the house cool

As the temperature rises, so does the temptation to crank the AC. But did you know there are a few easy ways to keep your house cool without breaking the bank? For starters, try closing the curtains or blinds during the daytime. It’ll help block out the sun’s rays and prevent your home from turning into a sauna. (I know it’s not the most fun way to spend a summer day, but trust me, your energy bill will thank you.)

Another tip is to cook during cooler hours or make no-cook meals that won’t heat up your kitchen.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Finally, it’s essential to stay hydrated when it’s hot outside. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can actually dehydrate you. And if you’re going to be spending time outdoors, consider carrying a small cooler with you filled with bottled water and frozen fruit.

Ways to Stay Cool: The Extras

Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are a few extra tips to help you stay cool all summer long:

Try a cooling towel

Try a cooling towel if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer. These towels are soaked in water and then wrung out, so they’re damp but not dripping wet. The evaporating water helps to cool the air around you, making it a perfect summertime accessory. I like to keep one in my bag when I’m out and about on hot days. 

You can even make your own cooling towel at home. Just soak a regular towel in water, wring it out, and put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then, when you’re ready to use it, simply take it out and drape it around your neck. Voila! Instant relief from the summer heat.

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02/18/2024 11:28 pm GMT

Make your own air conditioner

On sweltering days, sometimes nothing feels better than blasting the air conditioner. But if you’re trying to save money or stay eco-friendly, there are a few ways you can make your own air conditioner. One way is to fill a bowl with ice and place it in front of a fan. The fan will blow the cold air from the ice around the room, helping to cool things down.

Another way to DIY your own air conditioner is to place a wet towel in front of a fan. The evaporating water will help cool the air. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to the towel for a refreshing summer scent.

Eat cooling foods

There are certain foods and drinks that can help you stay cool in summer.

Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are all over 80% water, so they’ll help to hydrate you while you eat them.

Cucumbers are also a great summer food, as they’re about 96% water. And since they contain vitamins B and C, they can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Other cooling foods include celery, summer squash, and leafy greens like spinach and kale. These vegetables are all high in water content and can help you stay hydrated.

Also, it’s a little counterintuitive, but spicy food can actually help you cool down in the summer heat. That’s because when you eat spicy food, your body temperature rises, and you start to sweat. And as the sweat evaporates, it helps to cool you down.

So if you’re looking for a summer snack that will help you stay cool, try making yourself a spicy cucumber salad or adding some hot sauce to your sandwich.

Uplevel your hydration game

When it’s hot outside, it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. But if you want to up your hydration game, there are a few other things you can do.

When it comes to summer drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and fruit juices are all great options. And if you want something a little more refreshing, try adding some fresh fruit or herbs to your water.

Mint, cucumber, and citrus fruits like lemon and lime are all great summertime additions to water. And if you’re looking for something with a little more flavor, try adding some sliced strawberries, peaches, or watermelon.

So don’t just settle for plain old water this summer. Instead, get creative and make yourself a delicious, hydrating drink to help you beat the heat.

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02/18/2024 11:24 pm GMT

Take advantage of your fridge

I’m not suggesting you climb in the fridge to cool off – please don’t do that. But there are a lot of uses for the fridge besides just storing food.

Try storing moisturizers and lotions in the fridge during summer. When you apply them to your skin, they’ll be nice and cool and help to soothe any summertime irritations.

You can also store things like aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and green tea in the fridge. These ingredients are all great for summer skincare, as they can help to soothe sunburns and reduce inflammation.

Another idea is to keep a spray bottle filled with water in the fridge. When you’re feeling hot and sweaty, give yourself a quick spritz to help cool down.

Mint to the rescue

Mint is a summer lifesaver. It’s cooling and refreshing and can be used in various ways to help you stay cool during summer.

One way to use mint is to make a summertime cocktail or mocktail. Mint leaves can be muddled (crushed) and added to any summer drink for a cooling effect.

Another way to use mint is to make a summertime salad. Add mint leaves to a summer fruit salad or a cucumber and tomato salad. The mint will help brighten the flavors and give the salad a refreshing twist.

If you have sunburn, try applying a minty lotion or cream to the affected area. The mint will help to cool and soothe the skin.

Try a cooling blanket

If you’re looking for a way to stay cool at night, try using a cooling blanket. These blankets are designed to help regulate your body temperature, so you can stay cool and comfortable all night long.

There are a few different types of cooling blankets on the market. Some are made with cooling fabrics like bamboo or eucalyptus, while others are filled with gel or beads that help to regulate temperature.

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02/18/2024 11:39 pm GMT

Final thoughts

Summertime is a great time to relax, but it can also be challenging to stay cool in the heat. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to beat the summer heat without breaking a sweat. From fans and chilled skincare products to light fabrics and cooling foods, we’ve got you covered. So don’t let the summer heat get you down. Follow these tips, and you’ll be cool as a cucumber in no time!

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