Beating the Heat Without Air Conditioning
* It’s important to stay hydrated in hot weather, but this can be a challenge. Particularly if the heat makes you queasy, you may have a hard time consuming enough liquid. Peppermint is nature’s answer to this. It has cooling properties, and also helps dispel nausea and stimulate appetite. If you have a peppermint plant, pinch off a few leaves, rinse them gently, and crush them into a pitcher of lukewarm water. Refrigerate and drink chilled. If you don’t have access to fresh peppermint leaves, you can brew some strong peppermint tea and refrigerate it for a refreshing, minty drink. I like the Pompadour brand; Bigelow is also good. Sweeten with honey, if necessary.
* Of almost equal importance, and even more difficult in oppressively hot weather, is making sure you get enough to eat. Very hot, humid weather is a trigger for many kinds of headaches, and low blood sugar will aggravate all of these. Popsicles are a simple way to get some nourishment into your body and cool off at the same time. For healthier and less expensive popsicles, freeze your own. A popsicle mold can be found in any housewares store. Freeze store-bought or (better and cheaper) freshly squeezed juices, and mix juices together to create new combinations. For added nourishment and a creamy texture, make yogurt smoothies in your blender and freeze them into popsicles. If you’re feeling adventurous, or haven’t got much of a sweet tooth, try savory juices like carrot or tomato and smoothies made with yogurt and vegetables.
* In places where the blood is close to the skin – inside the wrist, the inside of the elbow and knee, the foot – changes in temperature are quickly communicated throughout the body. Running cold water over your wrists for 30 seconds, or holding them against a water bottle that has been in the refrigerator, can help you cool off a bit.
* If you’re home alone (or nobody there objects), dip your shirt in cold water, wring it gently out, and put it back on. Sitting in front of the fan dramatically increases the cooling effect. Re-wet as needed. I recommend undershirts or other close-fitting shirts for this, as folds of wet cloth will just be cumbersome and leave puddles on your floor. If you’ve got company who might be scandalized by such goings-on, dip a bandana in cold water, wring it out, and tie it around your neck.
* If you have long or thick hair, you know it can add unwelcome warmth in the summer. Run your head under cold water, shake the water out of your hair but don’t dry it, and let it cool you as it evaporates.
* Buy a spray bottle with a mist setting. Keep it in the refrigerator, and take it out periodically to give yourself a nice chilly misting.
