Tips to Stay Cool in the Summer

Blasting an air conditioner seems like the most fool proof way to stay cool in the summer.  However, there may come a time when it could break or the power could go out, or maybe to save energy and a bit of money-you decide to raise the temperature on it or even turn it off for a little while!  If that is the case, here are some other tips found from various websites (WikiHow and MSNBC) that can help to make those sweltering days more bearable:

Fans-

• ceiling fans, box fans, or even window fans can help to make the air feel cooler.
• An idea to try is-Place a fan in a window, but have it facing outwards, this can blow the warm air out of a room.
• Fill a couple 3 liter bottles with water and freeze them.  Once they are frozen, place them in front of a fan and have the fan blow on them.  The melting ice cools the air around it, and the fan will disperse it.  *note-place the bottles in a bowl or on a towel, so that the condensation does not ruin anything

Water!-Water has always been the old summer standby-who doesn’t love swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean?  There are also other ways you can effectively use water.

• Soak a t-shirt in lukewarm water, wring it out, and put it on.  Then sit in a chair that has holes that allow air flow (such as a lawn chair or certain patio chairs) and let a fan blow you dry.  When dry, feel free to re-do the process.  If you do not want to wear a soaked t-shirt, you can just wet the sleeves on a short sleeve shirt and let them air dry. *Note-soaking your t-shirt in cold water may make you cooler than you would like.
• Cooling down key pulse points such as your wrists helps to lower the temperature of your whole body.  Use ice wrapped in cloth or cold water.
• The neck is another area that will help cool, especially the blood to the brain.  Before you drink your ice cold pop, press it against your neck.  Or soak a bandana in water and tie it around your neck.

Hydration-drinking lots of water is important, because your body loses water and electrolytes when it is sweating.

Clothes-many girls love to look stylish in the summer, however there are certain clothes that are definitely “cooler” than others.

• Loose, flowy clothes (dresses, skirts, loose pants) are good
• Light colored fabrics and fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are cooler than polyester and rayon
• To protect yourself from the sun-cover your whole body in clothing, as long as it’s a light color and very lightweight.  This also keeps you cool because your skin is not having direct contact with the sun.
• Neck ties hold heat close to the body, so try to avoid those whenever possible

These are just a few tips, there are many more out there.  And while you are waiting for your air conditioner to be repaired or when you will turn it back on-remember the good parts about high temperatures: ice cream bars, popsicles, reading books about cold weather, and going to see a movie in a cold theater during the day.

Check WikiHow or MSNBC for even more cool ideas