As most people know, the US is going through some crazy summer heat waves at the moment. These days can bring some sweltering temperatures, power outages, unwanted sweat stains, and unfortunate smells. However, there are a multitude of ways in which to beat the heat. Whether you're on the West coast, East coast, or land locked, there are inventive ways to prevent yourself from succumbing to a fate similar to that of the Wicked Witch of the West. Because California is going through a drought and water is a precious resource, very few of these suggestions will be water related. That being said, if a natural water source such as, oh, I don't know, the ocean is a near by resource, I'm going to save you some time by saying now: just go to the beach. However, if you have neither the time, or the ability to spend an entire day frolicking in the ocean and calling yourself a bird, I'm look at you Rachel McAdams, then these suggestions might just help you out.
1. Put ice packs in your bed
Place the ice packs near your feet or under your pillow for the best effects. I know this sounds crazy, but it will actually cut down your energy usage (therefore cutting your utility bills) and help you sleep more soundly.
2. Use air conditioning only at night
If the ice packs aren't your forté use your air conditioning at a lower temperature at night and keep your doors and windows closed during the day. If everyone did this, it would probably help save the city from power outages when you really need the air conditioning. Bonus points for helping you sleep and keeping your house cold during the day.
3. Freeze fresh fruit popsicles
This is a simple and easy trick to keep you refreshed and satisfy a sweet tooth all in one. Just pop some ground up watermelon and orange juice in a popsicle holder (or dixie cup with a popsicle stick in it) and freeze those suckers over night.
4. Avoid hot meals
You can lower your internal temperature (making the outdoors more bearable) by staying away from hot food. Opt for a cold cucumber soup or a salad rather than a hot burger on days like these.
5. Avoid walking your dog on pavement
If you think you're dying of heat, imagine not being able to cool down through sweat and walking barefoot on the baking cement. Now you know what your dog feels like. So, please, for their sake, take them for walks on the grass and avoid the sidewalks.
6. Keep oven-mitts in the car
Ever touch a hot steering wheel? It's not fun, but neither is being stranded because you can't drive. Oven-mitts will allow you to touch the steering wheel without fear.
7. Keep a sweater in your car
Presumably, you're not going to be wearing pants in the next few days. This is great when you're outside, but not so great when your car has leather seats that are effectively the temperature of a hot skillet. The sweater is there as a barrier between your lower half and the hell fire that is your car seat during the summer.
8. Do work in a coffee shop
If you are stuck at home without air conditioning, go to a public area (like a starbucks) that is required to have cool air and sit there for the day. You'll save yourself some utility money and probably be more productive than you would be sitting at home. Honestly, you could probably just watch netflix at starbucks too.
9. Go in the pool
If you're fortunate enough to have a pool in the backyard, fucking use it. That's it. That's my advice for you. Be like Nike and just do it.
10. Bring a thermos full of cold water to work
We've all been there. You leave your bottled water in the sweltering car and realize that its essentially become a boiling mess. A thermos is made to keep the liquid the same temperature no matter the external environment (i.e. cold things will stay cold). Also, you're being environmentally cautious. I'd say that's a win win situation right there.
11. Limit sun exposure
The tendency to want to soak up the sun and be outdoors is a natural one especially when the weather is nice. However, when the heat is going to be dangerously high, being outdoors might not be the best option. It's hard to gage when your body is starting to become dehydrated and you're more likely to cause sun damage to your skin if you spend this time sun bathing. Sun poisoning is no fun. Don't do it.
12. Put panty liners in your cap sleeved shirts
Yes, even guys should do this. Save yourself and clothing from the inevitable sweat stains by sticking pantyliners on the insides of your sleeves right under your arm pits. Thank me later.
13. Slow your roll
We all have hectic fast paced lives, but running and rushing around in this kind of heat can dehydrate you more quickly than you realize. Remember if you start to feel thirsty, your body is already very dehydrated.
Slow down, listen to your body, and stay out of the sun as much as possible. May the odds be ever in your favor.
