Here are some simple but effective ways by which you can beat the heat and keep cool this summer
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It’s that time of the year again when temperatures soar, fans and ACs run non-stop and everybody complains about the heat. Yes – Summer is here!
Personally, I have always loved summer. For me, summer is all about the wonderful fruits that we are blessed with – the mangoes, pineapples, cashews, jackfruits, jamuns, karvanda and so many more. Even during my childhood, my favourite holidays were the lazy summers we spent frolicking on the beach, splashing in the cool water and even getting scorched by the sun at the same time! And of course, I cannot forget those treks up the hillside where we collected wild berries (karvanda), sometimes sour sometimes sweet, but delightful nevertheless. Ah! the good old days…
Recently, however, our summers have become hotter than usual and I find myself sweating buckets! That – I do not love!
Ways to beat the heat this summer
Of late, everybody seems to be dependent on Air Conditioners
, even more than fans, when it comes to keeping cool in the hot summer months. Almost every household nowadays has an AC And although I have never been a fan of these monstrosities, I have to admit they are pretty useful! But, there are a lot of other ways to beat the heat and keep your cool, other than running the fans and AC all day long. Here are some of the things that I find helpful.
, even more than fans, when it comes to keeping cool in the hot summer months. Almost every household nowadays has an AC And although I have never been a fan of these monstrosities, I have to admit they are pretty useful! But, there are a lot of other ways to beat the heat and keep your cool, other than running the fans and AC all day long. Here are some of the things that I find helpful. 1. Block out the sun
Keep your house cool by blocking out the sun. Draw the curtains or blinds and decrease the amount of heat entering the house.
2. Try a wet curtain
This was something I read in a magazine long ago and it actually helped! Hang a wet sheet in front of an open, breezy window. It will cool the breeze coming in. I do this for my balcony and it really works.
3. Proper clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Preferably choose cotton fabrics and whites or light shades that are known to reflect light and keep you cool. Definitely avoid tight clothes and synthetic fabrics.
4. Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of fluids to replenish water lost through perspiration. But, avoid/limit alcohol or caffeinated drinks which are known to be dehydrating. You could opt for fruit juices, milkshakes, lassi or other cool and refreshing summer drinks. (Check out Indian summer drinks roundup for some cool and refreshing summer drinks that you will surely enjoy)
5. Eat light
Avoid or minimize rich and fatty foods as they generate more heat within the body. Instead, opt for salads, fruits, vegetables or anything light. Best for this season are fruits like watermelon which are juicy and refreshing.
6. Cool baths/showers
Skip the hot water baths and take a cool shower instead. Take a quick cool mid-day shower if possible, when the heat is at its maximum. Cool showers work for me, but you could try tepid water too if you do not fancy a cool bath.
7. Minimize use of heat generating equipment
All electronic gadgets and appliances generate heat. So do bulbs and tube-lights. Use them to the minimum to decrease the heat generated within the house. This includes minimizing the use of TV, computers/laptops etc.
8. Go on a picnic
Plan a picnic or a day out and choose a location that is cool and shady. Even a local park or garden that has lots of trees and is nice and breezy would be great. You could even visit the beach or any spring or lake. Just be sure to choose location where you can cool off.
9. Take a cooking holiday
On days that are really really hot, I avoid cooking. I cannot bear to sweat it out in front of the stove! As an alternative, you can try using the microwave or grill or prepare something quick, easy and light. One pot meals are also great for such days.
10. Keep wet wipes handy
Keep some facial wipes
handy when you go outdoors. Sweat makes the face and neck feel sticky and using wet wipes is an useful alternative to washing your face when you are on the go.
handy when you go outdoors. Sweat makes the face and neck feel sticky and using wet wipes is an useful alternative to washing your face when you are on the go. 11. Mane control
Long hair makes you feel hotter. Try a cool summer haircut, even a stylish boy-cut if you fancy! If you do not like the idea of short hair, tie your hair up in a pony tail or a bun. Anything that keeps it off your neck will help you feel cooler.
12. Protect yourself from direct sun
Avoid going out during the hottest time of the day such as late or mid afternoon. When you do go outdoors, use a cap or an umbrella to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.
Well, these are just some of the things that I do to beat the heat and keep my cool during summer. I’m sure you too have some interesting tricks of your own to make these hot summers more tolerable.
What do you do to cope with the heat during summer? Do share your ideas with us in the comments below. I would love to try out some new tricks this summer.
Thanks for reading and please do share, like and comment. I love hearing from you. 🙂
Thanks for reading and please do share, like and comment. I love hearing from you. 🙂
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I like the tip about wet curtains. Will definitely try that when the temperature soars. Thanks 🙂
True about the wet curtain. What I do is wring it mildly so its not too "drippy" and I use it for the balcony and allow it to hang outside where any dripping does not matter. What amazed me was how fast it actually dried up… But then summer in India can get pretty intense!!
I've had my hair cut short, I'm on the look out for a hat that works with it (!) never heard of a wet curtain! Great idea, although it would be hard to replace a dry one and would soak the floor? Raw food rocks!!! I totally agree with not cooking when the weather is hot. Can't say I don't enjoy a lovely Thai curry if someone else cooks it though. 😉
Useful tips but I like the wet curtain idea, I need to try this..
I love summer too – the fruits and juices are the draw for me. And you know what? I can't stand ACs for too long. Thankfully, my husband is the same.
A very useful and timely post, Kim!
Living in FL these are lifesaving tips. The only thing I hate about summer is keeping the blinds and curtains closed, I miss the sunlight…. 🙁
Really helpful tips. I now live in the UK where it doesn't tend to get too hot. I would have liked the wet curtain idea when I lived in Spain though. I tended to find getting used to A/C just made things worse when I went outside.
Thank you so much Anu 🙂
yes yes yes Kimberly :)) lovely post 🙂