During the heat of the summer months it can be difficult to keep cool and feel good, especially if there is no air conditioning or you need to be outdoors. At home you can stay cool during the day by blocking the entry of sunlight and avoiding activities that can increase the internal temperature of the house. When you are outside you can fight the heat by looking for some shade, choosing breezy spots and wearing the right clothes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Keeping Yourself Cool at Home
Step 1. Turn off the lights
Incandescent lamps and even some LED bulbs produce heat when they are turned on. Lower the internal temperature of the house by using them only when you absolutely cannot do without them and by using other light sources, such as the telephone torch.
Also try to disconnect the power of lamps and electronic devices that you are not using. Sometimes these appliances, even in "stand-by" mode, can heat up because they continue to receive electricity from the socket
Step 2. Keep windows closed during the day
While it may seem contraindicated, open windows let warm air into the house. As soon as the sun comes up, close them to keep the indoor air cooler.
If you can't close them or you feel air flowing even after they are closed, consider placing a towel along the part of the panel where they are open to block the air
Step 3. Block the entry of heat with blackout curtains or a sunshade
Choose blackout curtains or place a car sunshade during the day. As soon as the sun comes up, close the blinds completely or use the parasol to prevent the sun from heating the house.
- Typically the car sunshade is made of a shiny material that reflects the sun's rays and is suitable for even the smallest windows.
- Blackout curtains absorb sunlight and are a great choice for larger windows.
Step 4. Open the windows and use fans to help circulate air during the night
Once the sun goes down, place a large fan in front of an open window to make it easier for fresh air to pass through the house. If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on to circulate it throughout the room.
On warmer nights, grab a bottle of cold water and sprinkle it on yourself, then stand in front of the fan before going to sleep. This way you can lower your body temperature and fall asleep
Step 5. Buy a dehumidifier to limit humidity on the hottest days
Humidity can increase the perception of heat. Buy a dehumidifier for any room you spend more time in, such as the living room and bedroom - it will absorb moisture from the air, making it less muggy.
Dehumidifiers are also useful if you have a window air conditioner because they eliminate moisture before it enters the appliance, increasing its efficiency. Without the dehumidifier, the air conditioner would be forced to cool and dehumidify the air
Step 6. Avoid turning on appliances that can heat indoor environments
During the summer it is better to eat cold meals, use the microwave more or cook outside on the grill. Do not turn on the stove and oven on hot days to keep the internal temperature as low as possible.
- If you can't help but cook at home, consider using a griddle or sandwich press as they use less energy and emit less heat in the kitchen.
- Even the dishwasher can raise the internal temperature during the summer. Try washing dishes by hand to avoid increasing the heat and humidity inside the house.
Method 2 of 3: Enjoying Summer Activities
Step 1. Invent something to do indoors during the hottest hours of the day
From 10am to 4pm, outside temperatures can plummet. To keep yourself cool and avoid the strong sun, do not go outside or go to an air-conditioned place if your home does not have one.
- For example, if you want an inexpensive alternative, you can study in the library or take a walk in a shopping mall.
- If you want something more fun to do with friends, you can propose having lunch at a restaurant, visiting a museum or going to the cinema.
Step 2. Find a place to park in the shade if you spend a lot of time away from home
Avoid exposing yourself to direct sunlight for more than 30-45 minutes during the day. When doing an outdoor activity, take the time to sit under a tree, relax under a parasol, or take shelter in a tent to get your energy back.
If you go to a place where there is little shade, remember to pack an umbrella or awning. If necessary, you can even open the trunk of an SUV and take cover under the tailgate or sit in a car with the windows open
Step 3. Plan a trip to a cooler place if you want to enjoy the outdoors
The mountains, dense forests of broad-crowned trees, rivers and valleys are breezy and extremely refreshing places thanks to their morphology. If you want to do something outdoors, plan a day trip to a sheltered wooded area in the shade of the trees, or take a walk along a river or stream to enjoy the coolness.
Remember that there is not always wind in these places, but they are generally more airy than in other areas
Step 4. Wear light, light-colored clothing to keep cool
Light-colored and light-colored garments, such as white, light blue, beige, pale pink and pale yellow, are the best choice when you don't want to feel hot. If you are at the beach or at home, you can discover yourself a little more by wearing a tank top and a pair of shorts or a bathing suit. If you have to run errands or go to work, choose clothes made from lightweight materials, such as linen, cotton, silk, or other breathable fabrics.
When shopping, opt for items with soft and fluid lines, able to keep you cooler and less constricted
Step 5. Take a break if you start to feel bad
If you are away from home during the day and start to feel dizzy or weak, go to a cool place and try to rehydrate by sipping plenty of water. Try to rest for at least a couple of hours before going out again. Dizziness, headache, and nausea can be the first symptoms of a heat stroke that is likely to get worse.
- Excessive sweating, slurred speech or speech difficulty, seizures, chills, and vomiting are more severe symptoms. Contact emergency services immediately if you see anyone exhibiting these symptoms.
- If you can't cool off once you get home, soak in cold water or place ice packs in your armpits, nape, and groin area. If the situation does not change after 5 minutes, call the emergency services for medical assistance.
Method 3 of 3: Hydrate During Summer
Step 1. Drink at least 3 liters of water on the hottest days
Try to consume at least 250ml of water every hour when temperatures are very high to avoid the risk of dehydration. Drink water at the table and throughout the day to keep yourself cool and hydrated.
If you find it difficult to drink a lot of water, carry a bottle with you during the day or replace a drink with a glass of water
Step 2. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks
Coffee, tea, and sodas can be slightly dehydrating. So, try to limit yourself to one sugary or caffeinated drink per day, drinking water before and after.
- If you love fizzy drinks, consider adding a fizzy powder to the still water (you can buy it at the grocery store). This way you will get the benefits of water with the flavor of a fizzy drink.
- If you like bubbles, try drinking fizzy water instead of a fizzy drink.
Step 3. Drink a sports drink after a rather strenuous physical activity
When you sweat a lot - for example, when you run, lift weights, play other sports or garden - your body can become dehydrated quickly. In addition to a sports drink, consume at least 250ml of water to fully rehydrate.
