The summer is very enjoyable with a beach vacationbut you can’t always spend it that way. When it’s time to continue with everyday life in the midst of high temperatures, the truth is that it is no longer so pleasant.
The heat and humidity of the beach, plus light clothing, are excellent for enjoying the summer. But if you have to go to school, to the office or you’re just going to stay at home, you’re probably thinking about some tricks to alleviate the heat. Here are some tips.
Ideas to cool off in the summer
A refreshing drink is not enough to alleviate the summer heat. The heat wave that has hit most of the world has us up against the wall, making us feel uncomfortable and sometimes even without energy.
The truth is that the summer heat is not always fun. That’s why we give you some tips to get through the hot days comfortably. We are sure you will be able to be more relaxed, even if you didn’t go on vacation.
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1. Reduce the use of household appliances.
Household appliances generate heat when they are running. We are so accustomed to using them constantly for everything that we no longer realize that that their operation contributes to increase the temperature of the place.
For that reason it is better to reduce the use of these appliances, in order to control the indoor heat a little. Even if the air conditioner is on, reducing the use of these appliances helps to improve their cooling effect.
2. Prepare drinks and ice cream
If you have a refrigerator nearby prepare drinks and ice cream so that you have enough on hand throughout the day.. At home, it is best to keep pitchers of water in the refrigerator at all times. You can prepare fruit water, but with little sugar.
In the workplace there is usually a refrigerator. Take advantage of it to have a bottle of water, an ice cream or some fruit. When you feel the heat starting to get to you, run to the fridge and enjoy something cool.
3. Plan your outdoor activities
The hottest hours are between 10 am and 4 pm. This may vary by geographic area, but in general this is the time when the heat rises. Whenever possible, plan a day in advance to do your outdoor activities outside of these hours.
Shopping, exercising, walking your pet or running errands are examples of activities that are more comfortable without heat. It is always better to make them before 10:00 a.m. in the morning to be fresher. Although some activities cannot be adapted to this schedule, take the opportunity to do those that can.
4. Light clothing
In addition to clothes for vacation, there are light clothes for everyday activities.. If you are working during the summer or you stayed at home to rest, you will not be able to walk around in a bikini or swimsuit, but you can choose clothes that allow you to be cool.
Choose clothes made of cotton, as this way the perspiration of the body is not blocked, because they allow air to pass through. Cool fabrics such as linen are also excellent for going formal but not overheating. Cool colors also help reflect light. Finally, choose shoes that are not tight or plastic.
5. Less sugar
Sugary drinks are misleading when it comes to heat relief. A cold soda seems like a good option when we are sweating and in the heat. When you drink it, it may seem to cool you down, but in reality it is counterproductive.
The best thing to hydrate and refresh is natural water. If it is fresh, the relief will be immediate, but even if it is not, it is more suitable to really cool the body. You can prepare natural fruit water, but preferably add just a little sugar, or better yet, none at all.
- We recommend: “Detox water: 4 recipes for cold infusions with fruits to lose weight”.
6. Fresh food
Food also helps you to reduce the heat in summer. Obviously no one craves a bowl of soup or hot broth, but it also happens that our food choices for hot days do not contribute to cool us down.
We need to listen to our body. Regularly at this time of the year what we crave most is seasonal fruit, salads, fish and water. All these foods will help you feel lighter and cooler.
7. Warm shower
In the morning before leaving for work, take a warm shower. Even if you don’t feel very hot yet, taking a bath with the coldest water you can tolerate will help you cool down for more hours. You will also feel active and with more energy to carry out your activities.
At bedtime you can also take a shower with warm water. It is relaxing but it will also be very refreshing. If you have to go to sleep right away after your shower, then it is better not to wet your hair.
8. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is an excellent excellent ally to refresh. You can use it in many ways, for example: if you have a bathtub, add a few drops of peppermint oil during baths.
Another way to use peppermint is to add it to your shower gel or soap and shower with it. You can also apply a drop directly on your temples and behind your neck. This is a great trick to alleviate the heat in summer, because you can carry a small bottle and use it when you feel hot.
9. At bedtime
In the summer a very uncomfortable moment is usually bedtime. The heat is so intense that it is difficult to fall asleep. To alleviate the heat during the night choose cool pajamasand light bed linen.
In addition to this, try to get the hot air out of the room. You can use a fan and direct it in such a way that it circulates the air. Another great trick to cool off at bedtime is to take off your socks and leave them outside the covers.
10. Spraying water
Set up a small sprinkler with water to cool you down.. If for some reason you have to be in places where the heat is “enclosed” and there is not much possibility to ventilate it, you can use this trick to cool yourself continuously.
In a small spray bottle, pour water with a drop of peppermint oil and whenever possible put it in the refrigerator. When you feel the heat starting to become less tolerable, spray the back of your neck with water. This will help your body temperature to reduce.
11. Warm water compresses
If you are at home and the heat rises, use warm water compresses. Soak some towels or rags in a little water, but it is important that the water temperature is lukewarm and not cold as this causes the opposite effect.
Apply these compresses to the back of the neck, elbows, ankles and knees.. You will feel immediate relief. The reason why cold water is not used is because it causes a vasoconstrictor effect that causes an increase in body temperature.
12. Cold body creams
The creams you use to moisturize your body can be your allies to relieve the heat. It is a simple trick that will help you cool off for several hours. All you have to do is keep the jars of cream in the refrigerator..
Try it and you will see how when you apply it on your skin, the refreshing effect is immediate. In addition to using them in the early hours of the day to go out to do your activities, you can apply them throughout the day, this way you will be refreshed and moisturized at the same time.