So it's the middle of summer, and you're basically dying of heat every day now. I'm assuming many of you have taken to actions for relief of the heat similar to my niece, who will no longer run through the sprinkler, but instead stand in front of the water, and let it hit her face. But worry not, there are much easier and non-soaking ways to cool off and survive the rest of the summer. Here are 12 easy and kinda neat tricks to beat the summer heat:
1. Put your sheets in the fridge.
Putting your bed sheets in the fridge is a quick and easy way to cool off during the night and have a better night's sleep. Put your sheets, or just a blanket, in the fridge for around 30 minutes before getting into bed and rest easy; or go ahead and try the freezer for half the time. (Just make sure your sheets are clean, as well as your refrigerator, first).
2. Wrap a wet paper towel around your drink.
This DIY is for anyone, just simply grab a paper towel and wet it, then squeeze out the extra water until it's just damp. Wrapping this around your drink and putting it in the freezer will instantly cool off your warm water or soda. In 15 minutes you'll have a nice, ice cold drink.
3. Choose Cotton.
In anything. Whether it's your clothes or your bed sheets, cotton is the way to go in the summer. Cotton is a very breathable fabric that promotes ventilation and allows you to relax.
4. Throw it back to old school--way old school.
Refrigerators used to be just actual boxes of ice in a container, and that icebox era can save your day in the modern world. Fill up a bowl with ice and put it in front of your fan. The breeze created by the fans will pick up the cold water from the ice's surface as it melts.
5. Hydrate.
Yes, hydrating all of the time is good, especially in the summer, but hydration before bed will keep you nice and cool and have a good night's sleep. Drink a glass of water before bed, just eight ounces, to avoid tossing and turning and all of that nasty sweating.
6. Be a lone wolf.
I know everyone loves cuddles with their pet, but sleeping, or probably just napping, alone is the best way to stay cool. Snuggles with Fido will increase body heat and make the couch a sticky, sweaty pit of despair. So give Mr. Fluffy a spare pillow, and both of you will be happier.
7. Hang it up.
Too hot? Like really, really hot? A great tip for creating airflow on the go is rigging up a hammock or setting up a simple cot. Both of these set-ups are very relaxing and suspended on all sides, which increases airflow.
8. Pay attention to your pulses.
Overheated and need to cool down stat? Grab an ice pack or turn on cool water and apply to your pulse points--inner wrists, neck, elbows, groin, ankles, and behind the knees. Keeping these areas cool will refresh your entire body.
9. Take a cold shower.
This tip is not for the weak. I love cold showers, but not many people agree with my sentiment. Rinsing off under tepid water can bring down your core body temperature and rinse off sweat so that you're ready to take on the rest of your day.
10. Turn the lights off.
Light bulbs give off heat, even the environmentally friendly ones. With summer, you have hours upon hours of natural light, so take advantage and keep your rooms cool. After dark, still use minimal lights (romantic, candle-lit dinner, anyone?).
11. Face your fan Out.
Facing your window fan out, rather than in, will keep your room cooler. The cool air will circulate in the room instead of bringing stuffy air in.
12. Do nothing.
Seriously, don't do a single thing. Don't wash your clothes, run the dishwasher, or take a shower, as this can all create humidity. Turn off all of your computers and electrical appliances. Lay down. Don't move. You'll be cool in no time.
