How to Keep Cool in the Summer
When the winter winds blow, and it feels like the cold will never end, most of us think fondly of those glorious summer days. But when the temperatures start to race towards 100 degrees, and those summer days stretch out before you with little wind and lots of sweat, those cold winter nights suddenly don’t seem so bad. While you can’t fight mother nature, there are a few easy steps you can take to survive the summer heat.
“Mist your bedding with a little lavender-scented water or even keep a top sheet in the freezer.”
Here Comes the Sun
It might seem like a no-brainer, but the quickest way to avoid the heat is staying out of the sun. That means keeping the blinds and curtains closed during the day and seeking out shade whenever possible. If you can, find a way to spend time in air-conditioned spaces, like a library, mall, museum, or movie theater. If you can’t avoid the sun, bring along a parasol or hat, and keep an eye out for natural coverage like trees and awnings.
Ice, Ice, Baby
As the mercury rises, water can be your best friend. Taking a cold shower, dipping your feet in a bucket of ice water, or placing cool washcloths on your wrists or feet can help lower your body temperature. Always make sure to stay hydrated. Eating snacks that include water-based foods, like watermelon and cucumber, will help manage your body temperature and reduce inflammation. Finally, keep a spritzing bottle handy, so you can quickly cool off with a few light sprays on the back of your neck, and other pulse points like your wrists and ankles. Keeping moisturizers or body sprays in the refrigerator can also add a quick jolt of cool rejuvenation to overheated skin.
Keep it Simple
Loose-fitting cotton clothes in light colors can also help combat overheating. Hats, sunglasses, and protective gear can prevent sunburn and help you avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Eating smaller meals throughout the day will reduce the amount of metabolic heat needed to break down your food, which will also help keep you cool. Finally, surrender to your surroundings and rest whenever possible. Pushing yourself or trying to “power-through” the heat, will only put you at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Those Summer Nights
There’s nothing worse than tossing and turning on sweaty sheets, but if air conditioning is not an option, don’t despair. Mist your bedding with a little lavender-scented water or even keep a top sheet in the freezer. You can even freeze a hot water bottle or a bag of rice for a sleep-friendly ice-pack. New cooling technology for pillows and mattress pads can also alleviate some of those hot flashes, as can a fan or swamp cooler. Finally, choose pajamas made from loose-fitting cotton so that your skin can breathe.
