12 tricks to relieve the heat in summer

Summer she really enjoys beach vacations, but it can't always happen that way. When the time comes to continue with daily life in the midst of high temperatures, the truth is that it is no longer so pleasant.

The heat and humidity of the beach, plus light clothing, are excellent to enjoy the summer. But if you have to go to school, the office, or just stay at home, you are surely thinking of some tricks to relieve the heat. Here we give you some tips.

Ideas to relieve the heat in summer

A refreshing drink is not enough to ease the hot summer heat. The heat wave that has occurred in almost everyone has us against the wall, making us feel uncomfortable and sometimes even without energy.

The truth is that the heat of summer is not always fun. That is why we give you some tips to comfortably spend hot days. Sure you can be more relaxed, even if you have not had to go on vacation.

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1. Reduce the use of household appliances

Appliances generate heat when they are working. We are so used to constantly using them for everything that we no longer realize that its operation contributes to increasing the temperature of the place.

For that reason, it is better to reduce the use of these devices, in order to control a little the heat indoors. Even if the air conditioner is on, reducing the use of electrical appliances contributes to its cooling effect improving.

2. Make drinks and ice cream

If you have a fridge nearby, make drinks and ice cream so you have enough on hand throughout the day. At home, it is best to keep jugs of water in the refrigerator at all times. It may be that you prepare fruit water but yes, with little sugar.

In work centers there is usually a refrigerator. Take the opportunity to have a bottle of water, an ice cream or some fruit there. When you feel the heat start to take over, run to the fridge and enjoy something cool.

3. Plan your activities abroad

The hottest hours are between 10 am and 4 pm. This can vary according to the geographical area, but in general it is the time when the heat increases. Whenever possible, plan a day in advance to do your outdoor activities outside of these hours.

Shopping, exercising, walking your pet or running errands are examples of activities that are more comfortably done without heat. It is always better to do them before 10 in the morning to go cooler. Although some activities cannot be adapted to this schedule, take the opportunity to do those that can.

4. Light clothing

In addition to vacation clothing, there are light clothes to carry out daily activities. If you are working during the summer or you stayed home to rest, you will not be able to walk in a bikini or a bathing suit, but you can choose clothes that allow you to be cool.

Choose cotton garments, since in this way the perspiration of the body is not blocked, because they allow air to pass through. Fresh fabrics like linen are also great for going formal but not overheating. Cool colors also help reflect light. Lastly, choose shoes that are not tight or plastic.

5. Less sugar

Sugary drinks are deceptive when relieving the heat. A cold soda seems like a good option when we find ourselves sweating and in the heat. When you drink it, it may seem that it refreshes you, but in reality it is counterproductive.

The best to hydrate and refresh is natural water. If it is cool, the relief will be immediate, but even if it is not, it is more suitable to really refresh the body. You can prepare natural fruit water, but preferably add only a little sugar, better yet, nothing.

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6. Fresh food

Food also helps you reduce the heat in summer. Obviously, nobody wants a bowl of hot soup or broth, but it also happens that our food choices for hot days do not help to cool us down.

We must listen to our body. Regularly at this time of year, what we most like is seasonal fruit, salads, fish and water. All these foods are what will help you feel lighter and fresher.

7. Lukewarm shower

In the morning before going to work, take a warm shower. Although it is not very hot yet, it will help you to cool off for more hours by taking a bath with the coldest water you can tolerate. You will also feel active and with more energy to carry out your activities.

At bedtime you can also take a shower with lukewarm water. It is relaxing but it will also be very refreshing. If after bathing you must go to sleep right away, then it is better not to wet your hair.

8. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil is a excellent ally to refresh. You can use it in many ways, for example: if you have a bath, add a few drops of peppermint oil during baths.

Another way to use peppermint is to add it to your shower gel or soap to shower with it. You can also apply a drop directly to your temple and behind your neck. This is a great trick to relieve the heat in summer, because you can carry one with a small bottle and use it when you feel hot.

9. At bedtime

In the summer a very uncomfortable time is usually bedtime. The heat is so intense that it is difficult to fall asleep. To ease the heat at night, choose a cool pajama, also light bedding.

In addition to this, try to get the hot air out of the room. You can use a fan and direct it in such a way that it circulates the air. Another great trick to cool off at bedtime is to remove your socks and leave them out of the covers.

10. Spray water

Prepare a small sprinkler with water to refresh yourself. If for some reason you have to be in places where heat is "locked in" and there is not much possibility to ventilate it, you can use this trick to continually cool yourself.

In a small bottle with a spray bottle, pour water with a drop of peppermint oil and whenever possible put it in the fridge. When you feel that the heat begins to be less tolerable, spray the back of your neck with water. This will help your body temperature drop.

11. Warm water compresses

If you are at home and the heat increases, use warm water compresses. Soak some towels or rags in a little water, but it is important that the temperature of the water is warm and not cold as this causes the opposite effect.

Apply these compresses to the back of the neck, elbows, ankles and knees. You will feel immediate relief. The reason why cold water is not used is because it causes a vasoconstrictor effect that causes an increase in body temperature.

12. Cold body creams

The creams you use to hydrate your body can be your allies to relieve the heat. It's a simple trick that will help you cool off for several hours. You just have to keep the cream jars in the fridge.

Take the test and you will see how when you apply it to your skin, the refreshing effect is immediate. In addition to using them in the first hours of the day to go out to do your activities, you can apply it throughout the day, in this way you will refresh and moisturize at the same time.

Bibliographic references

• Hifumi, T., Kondo, Y., Shimizu, K., & Miyake, Y. (2018). Heat stroke. Journal of intensive care, 6, 30. doi: 10.1186 / s40560-018-0298-4.
• Morris A, Patel G. Heat Stroke. (2019). In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan. Retrieved 08/26/2019 from NCBI Books