In a country like India that is blessed with a variety of seasons, Summer is dreaded, and rightly so as it poses a few palpable threats to comfort. The sweat-soaked commutes? Sleepless nights? No thanks!
Here are some things you can do that will not only keep you cool in the sun but also leave you feeling fresh, long after you’ve made your way indoors.
Cover Up
Although this may seem absurd to most, covering up areas exposed to the sun will in fact keep you cooler. Direct sunlight will not only raise your body temperature but will make you vulnerable to sun burns.
Don’t Overdo The Antiperspirant
When the heat is turned up, it can be an obvious reaction to reach for a can of antiperspirant, but excessive use of these, handicaps the body’s natural heat-loss mechanism. This can block the sweat pores and stop the body from cooling down efficiently.
DIY Air-Con
It might sound crazy, but keeping a couple of frozen water bottles or a large jug of ice in front of a desk fan will chill your room down in no time.
Wear Socks
On a sweltering day, covering up your feet might be the last thing you’d think to do, but it could be the key to staying cool and fresh. Socks will work to absorb the sweat, keeping your feet cool and clean.
Chill Your Bed Sheets
During a heat-wave a chilled bed sheet can help keep you cool enough to sleep. Fold a cotton sheet, pop it in a re-sealable freezer bag, and place in the freezer. Just before you get into bed, take out the sheet and settle down for sleep.
Cool Pulse Points
Feel like you might be severely overheating? Apply cold compresses to pulse points at the wrists, neck, ankles and behind the knees. For a similar effect, if you’re without an ice pack or compress, run your wrists under ice cold running water for a few minutes.
Do Yoga Breathing
When there’s not much at hand to help you stay cool, even breathing can help you beat the heat. Breathe in through pursed lips and exhale out, slowly through your nose. This gentle exercise should allow the saliva to cool the air you breathe in before it enters the lungs.
Freeze Aloe Vera
Everyone knows that Aloe Vera provides relief from the pain of sunburn. For an extra cooling effect, fill ice cube trays with the green gel and pop it in the freezer, before rubbing over affected areas.
Eat Less Meat
Consuming large amounts of protein, found in red meat and some fish, will increase the body’s metabolic heat as it attempts to break down the heavy food. Instead, opt for smaller meals, eating every two to three hours, which will limit the heat produced in the body.
Take A Warm Shower
While nothing sounds better on a sweltering day than taking a cold shower, it may not be the best way to stay cool. A cold shower will inevitably raise your internal temperature. Instead, take a tepid shower to maintain blood flow and allow you to continue sweating, thus dispelling heat.
Drink More Water
Lastly, drink plenty of water. Add frozen berries, grapes or sliced melon to your water when you’re feeling the heat to encourage you to stay hydrated.