Clever Ways to Beat the Heat

By: Vaughn Greene Funeral Services
Monday, August 14, 2017

As temperatures soar and humidity rises, it can be hard on our bodies, our minds, and our health.

And if you don’t have air conditioning, the summer swelter can be even more challenging. Here are several ways to beat the heat:

Spray on some peppermint tea. Brew a pot of peppermint tea and stick it in the fridge. Once it's nice and cold, pour it into a spray bottle so you can mist yourself with it. The menthol in the tea will give your skin a tingly, cool feeling that’s more refreshing than plain water.

Chill your mattress. Put soft gel ice packs on top of the mattress and underneath the sheets. For maximum comfort, place them under your neck, legs or lower back. You can also freeze a cotton sock filled with rice to get the same cooling effect for a longer period of time.

Fashion a makeshift air conditioner. Freeze some water bottles and place them in front of a floor or desk fan and you'll enjoy a much cooler breeze with your makeshift air-conditioner

Drink frequently. The more you perspire, the higher your body temperature rises, so replacing fluids is essential to keeping cool. Water is always a good choice. Stay away from beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol, or lots of sugar, which are dehydrating.

Take cool showers. Taking frequent showers with tepid to cool water will help keep your body temperature down and rinse off sweat. Don’t make it too cold, though, because your body will overheat as it attempts to regain its normal temperature.

Run your wrists under cold tap water. Doing this for 10 seconds every hour will help cool your blood because a large vein runs through the area.

Block the sun. Closing curtains and blinds can reduce the amount of heat that passes into your home by as much as 45 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Go where it’s cool. If the temperature soars and you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend the hottest part of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that’s cool.

Wear light colors. Dark colors absorb more heat than light ones, so stay clear of black. White, beige, and light pastels are the best shades for helping you stay cool.

Eat light meals and eat more often. The larger and more protein-laden the meal, the more metabolic heat your body creates to break down the food. Instead, opt for salads, fruits, and vegetables, which are easier to digest and contain fluids to help you stay hydrated.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Legally Scattering Ashes: Keep These Six Important Facts in Mind

Legally scattering ashes isn’t complicated but it does require some research and planning. The scattering of a loved one’s ashes can bring peace and closure to surviving family members. For many, ...

Tax Issues When Losing a Spouse in Maryland: Four Things You Should Know

How much do you know about the tax issues when losing a spouse in Maryland? The loss of a spouse or partner is among the most significant life adjustments. In addition to the deep grief, there are...

How Women Express Grief, the Special Grieving Needs of Women

We’ve all heard that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. This is also true when it comes to grieving.  This Women’s History Month, we want to honor women’s stories of grief and thei...

Does A Healthier Brain Begin with Having a Hobby? The Experts Say Yes.

Whether it’s doing crosswords or baking bread, there’s mounting evidence that having a hobby contributes to a healthier brain. Hobbies are more than just a way to fill up free time; they are creat...

Discussing Your Funeral Plans with Loved Ones? Follow These Six Expert Tips

Discussing your funeral plans with loved ones isn’t easy, but it can provide remarkable peace of mind. Advanced funeral planning and conversation alleviate the emotional burden and allow the heali...

The Black Community & Mental Health: A Reflection on our Progress and 3 Things To Promote Wellness

During Black History Month, we celebrate African Americans and the role they have played in building this country, as well as recognize their achievements. The culture in the Black community is st...

How Much Do You Know About Black History Month? Check Out These Six Fascinating Facts

Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage and accomplishments of Black Americans, who are an indelible part of our nation’s history. Every February, the United States honors the co...

Seven Proven Secrets to Staying Healthy When You’re Surrounded by Illness

When everyone around you is under the weather, staying healthy requires some extra effort. Upper respiratory infections like colds and flu are more common in the winter months when we’re all stayi...

Coffin or Casket: How to Determine Which One is Right for You

Funeral planning involves many details, and one of the most important is the choice of a coffin or casket. Although most people think these burial containers are the same, they actually have a num...

The Reception after the Funeral: Five Helpful Tips for a Memorable Event

If you are hosting a reception after the funeral of a loved one, consider ways to make it extraordinary and deeply personal. Families often host a reception or repast after the final farewell for ...