It’s hot. No getting around it. The many pleasures of summer can be dampened by oppressive heat, which can also become dangerous.
Here are our top ten ways to beat the heat!
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
2. Load up on spices. Eating spicy foods can actually cool your body down. The heat of your dish will make you sweat and, in turn, cool you off naturally.
3. Enjoy summer’s bounty of foods that replenish what the heat may be wringing from your body. Watermelon, cucumbers, zucchini, mint, cilantro, celery, sweet berries, coconut water, cantaloupe, radishes are the ideal candidates!
4. Spritz yourself. Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator, and when the going gets hot, give yourself a good squirt, especially on your wrists to quickly cool down the blood flowing through your veins.
5. Use what’s on hand: turn everyday products into a cooling sensations simply by storing them in the refrigerator. Sunscreen, lotions, toners, and creams give you a refreshing lift when you apply them to your skin chilled.
6. Stay cool while you sleep, using a fan, a damp sheet or cool cloths, anything that helps you repair heat damage to your body while you rest.
7. Keep your food cool and avoid using the oven. Consider making cold soups, salads, or relying on electrical appliances like the versatile rice cooker, to avoid heating up your kitchen. You will generate less body heat processing these easier-to-digest foods instead of big meaty meals.
8. Dress for the weather. Try to maintain your cool by applying antiperspirant at night and wearing breathable, light-colored, loose cotton clothing, or some of the newer fabrics that wick away sticky sweat.
9. Make the best use of your windows. Close the windows and use insulated drapes to keep the sun out during the day and open them at night when the sun is down. You can also hang a damp towel in front of the window to cool the air flowing in and keep the windows open for cross ventilation.
10. Make the best use of your fans. If you face your fan out, rather than in at night, your room will stay cooler and you might be able to sleep more comfortably? If you have a ceiling fan, run it counter-clockwise (the “summer” higher-speed setting) for maximum cooling.
When all else fails, head to a cooling center. Local libraries, malls, museums, and movie theaters can provide relief. The temperature in Element Natural Healing Spa is quite lovely, stop in for some acupuncture or massage and soak up the high-quality AC!