We wait all year for the sun to shine brightly upon us. The warmth of the sun, lake swims, the long evening strolls – but we sure don’t count on the loss of sleep, the “over-heated” personality or the loss of energy we may experience during these hot Summer months.
How do you enjoy Summer while staying cool (aside from air conditioning!)? Here are 5 tips to keep cool in your home and beat that heat.
Cool Tip #1: Keep your body cool
When our bodies are overheated we speed up the dehydration process, which can lead to serious medical issues, so ensure you are drinking plenty of cold drinks and a little more water than you normally would. Still hot? To cool down instantly, apply ice packs or cold compresses to the body’s pulse points such as the wrists, temples, neck, elbows, groin, ankles and behind the knees. Or better yet, go have a nice long shower or soak in a bathtub filled with “tepid water”. And don’t forget to wear light, loose comfortable clothing, specifically cotton.
Cool Tip #2: Keep your bedroom cool
Use lightweight Egyptian cotton sheets (and pajamas) as this allows the air to circulate around you while sleeping. Use your fans correctly and face them towards the windows to push the hot air out. Lastly, if you are fortunate enough to have a ceiling fan, adjust your settings so the blades run counter-clockwise. This will pull the hot air up and out instead of just twirling it around the room.
Cool Tip #3: Keep your blinds closed
You don’t have to live in a greenhouse! It is known that at least 30 percent of unwanted heat comes through your windows. If you keep your windows, curtains and blinds closed throughout the day you will lower the inside temperature by up to 20 degrees, especially if you have South and West facing windows.
Cool Tip #4: Don’t have air conditioning? Make a DIY Air conditioner!
Make your own air conditioner by putting a block of ice in a roasting pan or bowl in front of a fan. The fan will slowly melt the ice creating a beautiful misty breeze that will cool off your room in no time. *Bonus Tip: you can make your own ice by refilling a plastic 2 litre bottle and freezing it overnight.
Cool Tip #5: Stay away from the stove
This only seems logical but Summer is not the time to whip up a casserole or roast a chicken. If you must have hot food, fire up the BBQ instead or cook first thing in the morning and refrigerate. Choose room temperature or cold dishes such as salads and swap out bigger meals for smaller, lighter dinners that are easier for your body to metabolize. *Tip: to metabolize your food, the body will naturally produce more heat after consuming a large steak (or bigger meal) than a platter of fruits, veggies, and legumes.