This summer has been a scorcher all over the world. As the mercury soars, it can be harder to feel comfortable and even to concentrate as our minds are off dreaming of days by the pool in Margaritaville with a nice breeze blowing in from the sea. Whether it be trying to fall asleep in the persistent, humid, and sticky weather or just cooling off during a blazing afternoon, we’ve gathered together some tips and tricks to keep you cool day and night – no air conditioner required.
In this list, we’ve covered the full spectrum of summer cooling activities, minus opening a fire hydrant with a wrench and playing in the outflow. You’ll see some food tips that will help you cool off from the inside out; some tips for your house that will keep things cooler inside; and some tips to help you keep cooler at bedtime. (Since our body temperature drops as we fall asleep, making yourself cooler before bedtime will help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.) If you’re looking for ways to be more comfortable and cool down during this blazing summer, check out these 25 Refreshing Ways to Keep Cool This Summer.
Feature Image: dMap Travel Guide via Flickr
Eat spicy food. Though it may seem like it would make you hotter (which it does), it also boosts circulation and causes you to sweat, lowering your body temperature.
Use lightweight cotton sheets. They are more breathable than heavier fabrics like satin or polyester.
The same goes for clothes - synthetic fibers trap heat, whereas cotton allows it to pass out while absorbing sweat, cooling you as it evaporates. To be even cooler, you can try sleeping in the buff.
To cool off a drink faster, either spin it around in some ice (you'll have to do this for a while, though, or by attaching it to the end of a drill) or soak a paper towel in water, wrap it around the bottle, and put both in the freezer.
A cold shower may help you feel immediately cooler, but your body will compensate for the cold by creating more heat. Instead, shower with water just below your body temperature to cool you off and keep you from heating back up.
Plenty of delicious fruits are at their best in early summer, so chop them up and freeze the pieces. Nom on them later as a snack or add them to a glass of water to cool it down.
Hanging a wet sheet in front of an open door or window means the breeze flowing in enters a few degrees cooler.
Putting a bowl of ice in front of your fan will blow cooler air towards you, especially useful before bed and as you try to fall asleep.
If you can, wet any piece of clothing you have (a hat works wonders) and put it back on. As it dries, the water will evaporate and cool you at the same time.
Drinking a cup of chrysanthemum tea is said to cool the body and clear the mind.
Pulling the curtains before you leave the house will both stop sunlight from entering and trap cooler air inside.
If you are enjoying this post, you may also enjoy 25 Signs This Summer Is Too Hot To Handle.