With soaring temperatures unlike anything the US has seen before, we have got to find new and inventive ways to stay cool for the summer.
We’re taking it back old school style, with ice, fun drinks, and other ideas to make sure you feel your best even in the hottest months and days of the summer.
If you don’t have an air conditioner, don’t fret, here are some ideas that will keep you feeling cool and calm in that scorching summer heat.
What’s the weather like where you’re from?
Here are the ideas to stay cool this summer:
Find a Pool. Is there somewhere you can go to the pool? Your friends might have one, is there a one in your community center, or are you that lucky person that has your own? Grab a floatie and live your best life. Keep cool in that pool. I love to have a fun drink in one hand and a book in the other, check out our best books to read on the beach, or at the pool, this summer!
Cold Showers. These might sound terrible, but they’re actually quite refreshing when you’re hot. I love to bring in essential oils to the shower, try putting some on the walls of your shower and enjoy that spa like smell and feel. I also love when I get out of the shower with my wet hair, I don’t really dry it off so I have a cooler head while it’s still wet.
Grab a Fan. Fans are the best! I even have one that I plug into my phone outlet that I use when I’m waiting for the subway. You can even go old school and put a bowl of ice in front of the fan, they did this in The Great Gatsby, they might be onto something! Even if you don’t have an overhead fan you can get a small one that clips to your work from home or in the office (*gasp*) desk, trust me, it’s a total game changer.
Avoid Cooking. Don’t turn that oven on, it really heats up the house! Focus on making cooling foods like salads, melons, or cook outside on the BBQ. I recently bought a hot plate and I use it to cook outside. I like to make fish in the backyard, or else the smell overwhelms my tiny apartment. This month we have all kinds of recipes that require no cooking at all.
All of the Ice. Ice is never overrated. When I was in Haiti I slept in 100 degree, unairconditioned rooms. I would bring a frozen water bottle with me to bed and place it around me to keep cool. Why not make an icee? Or grab a popsicle! They help you keep cool!
Keep the Curtains Drawn. Make sure your house doesn’t gain heat, make sure you keep those curtains drawn during the hottest parts of the day, and open them at night to get that cooler air flow!
Light Bedding. Make sure you’re trying some lighter bedding in the summertime. You can just sleep with a sheet to stay as light as possible.
Keep Moisturizers in the Fridge. Put your moisturizer in the fridge, then when you use it, it’s like you’re at the spa! For an added tip, try wetting a hand towel and adding some eucalyptus essential oil on it, then keep it in the fridge for another spa-like feeling.
Drink Something Hot. It may sound crazy, but you actually feel cooler when you drink something hot. What happens is you tend to sweat more so that sweat is cooling you down and then evaporating off your body. I studied abroad in Morocco and at first I was SHOCKED by my host mom pouring me mint tea when it was 90+ degrees. But it actually helped me stay cool!
Drink Lots of Water. Make sure you’re getting enough fluids! I also put electrolytes in my water to make sure I’m completely hydrated during these hot months. I swear by Ultima electrolytes, they’re amazing.
