7 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer

Of all the seasons, summer is probably the only one with its own cult following. Sure, the other seasons all have something of their own to offer— fall brings us beautiful sunset-colored leaves and Thanksgiving stuffing and winter has a handful of gift-giving holidays and if you live in certain parts of the world, too much snow. Spring brings not only lovely flowers into bloom but also an end to that horribly cold winter some of you face. But summer, filled with lively barbecues and poolside drinks, is unbeatable.

The only downside? The heat. Not only does it feel downright awful (you know that feeling when your sweaty thighs keep sticking to the lawn chair), it can even be dangerous. Excessive heat can cause a variety of severe conditions, including (but not limited to) heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, all of which are life-threatening if left unchecked. That being said, you can still enjoy your summer safely if you follow a few helpful tips. Here are seven of those below:

1. Hang up a hammock

The bed you love to curl up in in winter may be too stifling for this oppressive heat. Instead of getting cozy in that pile of blankets, opt to lounge on a hammock or cot if you have one. Since these types of beds are open on all sides, you’re more likely to feel breezy as you sleep. Also, since hot air rises, it’s a good idea to set up your sleeping situation as close to the ground as possible. It’s basically indoor camping, and doesn’t that sound exciting? Nope, just me? Okay.

2. Go old-school with cotton

Polyester, satin, and silk feel like heaven on your skin in the spring, but as soon as summer hits, all you’ll be feeling is a whole lot of sweat. (Eck.) Make the switch to lightweight cotton sheets instead for more comfortable beauty sleep, and save the softer sheets for cooler days. If you really need respite from the heat, stick your sheets in a plastic bag and chuck them in the fridge for a couple hours before bed for icy, cool-to-the-touch relief.

3. Take a cold shower

Maybe the last cold shower you took was out of desperation because the hot water was out, but cold showers now are blessings of their own. If your current showerhead has been slacking off, replace it a brand new one that has various spray patterns. A quick cold rinse can bring down your core temperature and rinse off stickiness from sweat so you can go on a date/meet up with friends/sleep to your heart’s content.

Shown above: KX8221 Square Showerhead in Polished Chrome

4. Or a cold bath

For those days when you don’t have a pool to cannonball into, having a full tub of cold water is just as good. If you don’t currently have a bathtub in your home, consider investing in one for cozy baths in any season. They come in a variety of styles, such as clawfoot, freestanding, pedestal, drop-in, and alcove, so you have a lot of choices to pick from for the one tub that fits your needs and tastes best.

Shown above: Aqua Eden 59-Inch Drop In Tub in White

5. Don’t let there be light

All those decorative lamps might light up your life, but they’re also massive sources of heat when you don’t need more of it. Since daylight hours are longer during summer, take advantage of that as much as possible during the day. When it gets dark, be mindful of which lights you’re switching on so you don’t have them on in unoccupied rooms.

6. Say no to the stove

Fried rice or roast beef are excellent meal ideas… when it’s not so hot. Turning on the stove or oven this time of year cooks not only your food but you as well. Alternatively, serve up some fresh, scrumptious salads or other no-cook dishes. Not only do they save you from generating unnecessary heat, but smaller, lighter dishes like these are easier for your body to metabolize, keeping you cooler as well.

7. Fill up your water bottle

If this hot summer is your greatest enemy, your most valuable weapon is water. Nope, not soda, coffee, or alcohol— water. Dehydration is no joke, and to combat that, it’s essential to have healthy water-drinking habits. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water or other electrolyte-replacement drinks, and stick to cool water because although ice water may look appealing, it can also cause you some painful cramps. With all the H2O you and your household are drinking, surviving off bottled water alone is a pricey move. To save money and the earth in the long run, install a water filtration faucet in your home. When paired with a filter, it provides all the cool, crisp drinking water you want for that hydrated glow.

Shown above: KS5193AL Royale Single-Handle Water Filtration Faucet in Antique Brass