How to Beat the Heat!

By Sarah Balke

Summer seems to get a little bit longer and a little bit hotter each year. Or, as I get older, my internal thermostat malfunctions more frequently, aka hot flashes. More often than not, I’m looking for ways to quickly cool off while mowing the yard, weeding the garden, biking, hiking, camping or just relaxing in the sunshine.

One of the most enjoyable cooldown options is a quick dip in a pool or other body of water. But when that’s not an option, these are my go-to tips for keeping cool all summer long!

1. Drink plenty of water: This one is obvious, but still worth the top spot. Your body’s natural cooling method is perspiration. If you become dehydrated, your body is no longer able to effectively cool itself. According to one study, water at a temperature of 61°F (16°C), about the temperature of cool tap water, is optimum to rehydrate athletes or other subjects.¹
2. Keep your house cooler by grilling or using a crockpot: Cooking lasagna in the oven at 350° for 60 minutes or making stir fry on the stovetop will certainly raise the temperature of your kitchen. And, if your thermostat is in the same vicinity, this can also mean a higher AC bill! To avoid this, try cooking on the grill or in a crockpot. What a great opportunity to search for new recipes! My personal favorite… grilled Margherita Pizza with a yummy balsamic drizzle!
3. Cool your pulse points: Pulse points are the areas of your body where you can easily feel your pulse, such as the side of the neck, the wrists, and the top of the feet. Of course, there are a few more pulse points, but these are the easiest to access. Because the blood vessels are so close to the surface of the skin, you can cool off your blood to help lower your body temperature. Simply put a cold pack over your pulse points for 20 minutes. If you are not using Soft Comfort CorPak or other Frost Free pack, make sure to grab a towel to protect your skin.
4. Use a Headache Ice Pillow when relaxing in the sun: Some days I just want to relax and soak up some Vitamin D and sunshine. After slathering on the SPF50, I will grab my Headache Ice Pillow and just chill on the patio. The cold pack at the base of the skull and extra neck support is perfect to help me relax!
5. Use cool mist from a hand sprayer or spray bottle: Rather than dousing your head with cold water from the hose, use a garden hose nozzle on the mist setting or use the mist setting on a handheld spray bottle. Simply cover your face and skin with a light mist; it will sit on your skin and help cool you, and, as it evaporates, it will take some heat with it. Misting is also more comfortable in the long run because your clothes will dry quickly. This is a way to cool down when mowing the yard or weeding the garden. If you are camping or hiking, don’t forget to pack your spray bottle for a quick cool off!

Keeping cool on a hot summer day can help boost your mood and energy, making it easier to enjoy your day. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin, and sunglasses to protect your eyes, before spending time outdoors!

Sources:

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3762624/

https://lifehacker.com/know-your-bodys-quick-cooling-spots-5571072