Beat The Heat!
Staying cool in the sweltering heat can be a challenge. But with a little bit of planning and the ability to act like a kid again, we can all enjoy everything the warm weather has to offer!
I’ve been thinking a lot about the hot weather lately. It’s not quite summer in Northern California, and we’re already hitting over 100 degrees. I don’t do well in the heat, (thank you menopause) so staying cool is a must. Here are 15 ways to do just that!
Let’s dive in!
(the pool, that is!) 
Fun Ideas to
STAY COOL
Aside from some of the basics we all know, you can have more fun in the sun without overheating by thinking like a kid. Let’s go back in time to the age of innocence…
Run through the sprinkler and water your lawn at the same time. Was there ever any greater thrill when your mom turned on that spigot?
Kiddie pools are not just for the kids! Jump in and cool down, no matter your age!
Keep refreshed with homemade popsicles. Use any juice or freeze a smoothie for the perfect summer treat.
Water balloon fight, anyone? Or the next time you’re out, grab a pack of water guns! Staying wet will keep you cool. Wash the car, take a cool shower, or water your lawn or garden.
Go out for ice cream. Not only is the dessert perfect for a hot day, but the ice cream parlor is also going to be at a magnificently chilly temperature.
Ice cold watermelon is the quintessential summertime fruit! And since watermelon is about 90% water, you’re staying hydrated at the same time.
Drink Water
You sweat more on hot days and the water can replenish lost fluids. Sweating is a good thing, as it helps to cool your body down – but make sure to stay hydrated to help your body do what it’s supposed to. If plain water is too boring, add cucumber or citrus slices to your glass. And there are numerous unsweetened flavored seltzer waters on the market. Herbal tea counts, too!
That includes your pets, as well! Keep those water bowls full for your furry family members!
Stay Indoors
Kind of obvious, but if you can stay inside, avoiding the direct sunlight, you’re better off. Keep your house cold by keeping curtains or blinds drawn and running ceiling or freestanding fans. Circulating the air will clear away the humid or stagnant air. Using a whole house fan in the evening, when the temperatures drop is a great way of pulling the hot air out of your house to give you a leg up the next day. Opening windows at night and use a swamp cooler if you have one.
Dress Lighter
Choose breathable cotton fabrics and lighter colors. White specifically, reflects the sunlight. Linen is another good choice. And bamboo is moisture-wicking and great for summer pajamas. (bed sheets, too!) Choose open-toed footwear and lightweight hats to keep the sun off your face.
Fruits & veggies
Not only will eating more salads and lighter meals help you to avoid turning on the oven and adding more heat to your home, but the water content will also help to keep you hydrated. BBQ some kebobs, make a salad, and pour yourself a big glass of ice-cold lemonade.
Cool Your Pulse Points
Holding an ice pack or a cool washcloth to the insides of your wrists, the area around your temple, and your neck can help cool your circulating blood, helping to cool your entire body down. Keeping your hands and feet cool will do the same thing. Dip your hands and tootsies in a bucket of ice water for 10 minutes for the best benefits. Holding a cold beverage between your hands can achieve a similar effect.
Mint
Mint contains menthol which can trick your brain into making your body feel cool. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a lukewarm or cool bath. Use it as a room fragrance. Add it to your body lotion. Dilute in water for a cooling body spritz. Add fresh mint leaves to your iced tea. Sprinkle fresh-cut ribbons of mint on watermelon or in a salad.
Adulting
Responsible ways to beat the heat
Thinking about installing or replacing an outdated cooling system?
Here are 3 choices to consider:
Air Conditioning
- Look for the Energy Star symbol
- Choose a high SEER rating
- Other Options:
- Wall mount ductless
- Ceiling Ducted
- Multi-Zone Systems
- Mini Split Units
Whole House Fan
- Green alternative to air conditioning
- Can cut your A/C costs
- Reduce your energy footprint
- Brings in fresh cool air overnight
- Removes stale air and odors
- Removes pollutants
Swamp Cooler
- Energy efficient
- Environmentally friendly
- Less costly to run and maintain
- Adds moisture to dry air
- Quiet
- Cannot be used in humid areas
Summer Meal Ideas
Your tastebuds will love you
Grilled Seafood
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa
Beef
Open-Faced Flank Steak Sandwich
Anything But A Boring Salad
Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad
One Dish Meal
Ahi Poke Bowl
Cool Soup
Spanish Gazpacho
Small Purchases For A Big Reward
Here are my top choices to help stay cool without spending a fortune
Cooling Neck Towels with carrying cases
Eco-Friendly Full Size Popsicle Maker
Roll Up Straw Hat (perfect for travel)
Moisture Wicking Summer Bamboo Sheets
The Best Things
About Summer
Staying cool while enjoying all the benefits of summer takes a little planning, but it’s so worth it!
Swimming - lakes, rivers, pools, creeks, the ocean
Bar-b-q's - friends, family, kids, eating outdoors
Backyard Games - Lawn bowling, Frisbee, Cornhole, Washer toss
Blender Drinks - Margaritas, Daiqueries, Slushies, & Milkshakes
15 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer
- Stay hydrated, drink water regularly throughout the day
- Stay indoors, keep the blinds drawn, and close windows during the day (while opening them at night to let in the cool air)
- Cool your pulse points – soak your hands or feet in ice-cold water for 10 minutes
- Dress lighter – choose white or light-colored cotton, linen, or polyester blends
- Eat more fruit & vegetables – take advantage of seasonal produce – check out your local Farmer’s Market
- Keep mint around – mint oil or fresh mint can keep you cool
- Be a kid again and run in the sprinklers
- Buy yourself a small kiddie pool (& one for your dogs, they’ll love you for it!)
- Make some homemade frozen juice pops
- Stay wet – wash your car, have a water gun or water balloon fight, take a quick shower, dunk your head under a faucet
- Go out for ice cream – treat yourself and enjoy the cold temperatures of the ice cream parlor
- Keep a watermelon in the fridge – ice-cold watermelon is 90% water and a healthy sweet treat
- Cooling systems – stay where there’s air conditioning, use a whole house fan in the evenings, or look into installing a swamp cooler
- Eat lighter – avoid using the oven, eat dinners outdoors, and choose lighter, less dense meals
- Go for a swim – lakes, rivers, pools. Take advantage of a water source nearby
Bonus Tip – Get out the blender and make it a party! Add extra ice to those specialty drinks of yours. Make some fantastic mock-tails, slushies, and smoothies that the whole family can enjoy!
Stay Cool My Friends!
(and remember to drink a lot of water)
I’d love to hear other ideas! What tricks do you have for beating the heat?
↓ Please comment below! ↓
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