Staying cool amid a summer heat wave is imperative not just for your comfort level, but also for your health. Getting overly hot can lead to dangerous health conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash, fainting, and cramps, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. If you are looking for ways to protect your health and beat the summer heat, consider the following suggestions.
Breezy settings
When you’re inside working without an air conditioning system and temperatures are rising outside, it can feel impossible to cool down. But, a few simple solutions can help you find relief from the heat. “If it’s hot but not humid, place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan and enjoy the breeze. As the ice melts, then evaporates, it will cool you off,” suggest the editors at RealSimple.com.
The placement of your fan is crucial when it comes to its effectiveness of lowering the temperature in a hot room. “Create a cooling cross-breeze by positioning a fan across from an open window. If you’re using a window box fan, it should blow into your room at the coolest hours of the day and outward during the warmest hours of the day,” advises Nafeesah Allen, writer for BHG.com.
Household tasks and WFH upgrades
If you work from home or spend a good chunk of the day on the computer, you are well aware that devices often run hot. Changing the way you work on your computer, laptop, or tablet can also help you feel cool. “Set it to go into low-power ‘sleep’ mode if you’re away from it for more than 10 minutes, and it will give off less heat. When you’re finished for the day, shut the machine down completely,” add the RealSimple.com editors.
Even when the temperature is hot outside and all you want to do is rest, household chores like washing the dishes will still call your name. Instead of running the dishwasher during the day, though, set it to run in the evening and air dry the dishes with the door open, note the editors. You can also forgo the appliance altogether and wash the dishes in the sink.
Cool air running
If a fan or fans aren’t enough to keep you cool this summer, and a central air conditioning system isn’t in the budget, you may want to install a window A/C unit. “An air conditioner should be in a shady or partially shaded window, because direct, intense sunlight can decrease the unit’s efficiency by as much as 10% as it struggles to handle all that hot air,” explain Michelle Ullman and Bob Vila, writers for BobVila.com.
Breathable fashion
The right fabrics can help you keep your cool in summer. You’ll want to choose your garments based on how they support your activity. For example, cotton offers a soft and breathable option if you’re lounging, but it won’t wick away moisture if you’re participating in a workout, according to Ken Knapp, Editor Emeritus for REI.com.
Thirst-quenching refreshments
With the right nutrition, you can support your keeping-cool goals. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages and instead reach for classic water. Fruits and veggies have a high water content, which can help you feel nourished and refreshed, according to the RealSimple.com editors.
With these tips, you’re sure to keep your cool and conquer summer heat.