Hot days are usually unbearable, especially if we do not have air conditioning at home. During the summer months, the heat can be intense in certain areas, and you need to be prepared. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, you need to be aware of the heat and humidity and how your body reacts to it. It was not long ago that people went without air conditioning in the summer and only managed with homemade tricks. This time, we will tell you some ways to stay cool in the summer without air conditioning.
The following oneHOWTO article describes some inexpensive ways to cool down in summer and make the most of this season.
Pay attention to what you eat
In general, the maxim in summer should be to eat foods that contain a lot of water, that help us regulate our body temperature and that do not dehydrate us.
The summer fruits par excellence are also among the fruits that contain the most water. In particular, watermelon and strawberry have a water content of 95% and melon between 85 and 90% (depending on the variety).
Vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, celery, and radish are more than 95 percent water. Tomatoes are 94 percent water. Therefore, any combination of vegetables is perfect for eating in the summer.
Although it may seem contradictory, drinking hot beverages in hot weather helps regulate body temperature more efficiently than cold beverages. Sweating and especially the evaporation of sweat is one of the most important ways to regulate body temperature and maintain thermal balance.
Stay hydrated
Body water plays an essential role in regulating body temperature, which should be maintained between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius. In hot weather or during intense physical activity, it evaporates through the skin with sweat.
The point is that in summer when temperatures are high, the body's water loss increases and the risk of dehydration is higher, especially in the elderly and children. If the body does not have enough water, all the maintenance activities in which it participates are affected.
Continue reading this other article to learn how often you should drink water.
Wear light clothing
An indispensable way to cool down on a hot day is to wear light clothing that allows our body to regulate the temperature efficiently. The first natural reflex when we feel hot is to take off our clothes. This is a good option when we are in the sun or at the beach/pool.
In all other cases, it is best to wear light clothing made of fabrics that allow air circulation, transpiration of our body and evaporation of sweat. Some of the best fabrics to wear in summer are linen, cotton or viscose, which are ideal to withstand the high temperatures without burning.
Keep the house cool
Air the house first thing in the morning. Temperatures are lower in the morning, so this is the best time to air the house and capture a fresh and renewed air. The duration of airing depends on the dimensions of your house. Generally, 30 to 45 minutes is sufficient.
After you have aired out, be sure to lower the blinds or shades in the bedrooms or living room to keep the air cool. This will prevent heat from entering through the windows. Closed blinds and doors allow for better cooling of the house and keep the temperature cool. You can also air the house again at night for even better results.
Continue reading this other article to learn more about how to keep the house cool during the summer.
Apply cold properly in your body
Cold water or even ice packs are age-old methods of relieving heat and cooling off on a hot day. However, there are even more effective methods to boost the cooling effect that you should know about. Whether using cold water or ice, one of the best methods is to press it against the pulse areas we have on our wrist, temples, or neck. And why? The reason is that these are some areas of the body that give off the most heat and where the veins run closest to the dermis. This way, the cold reaches the blood more easily and you accelerate the cooling sensation more effectively.
You will achieve the same result if you apply the device to the back of the neck, right where the brainstem is located. The brainstem is the area of the brain responsible for sensing and regulating body temperature. So if we apply cold to this area, the cooling sensation will be felt throughout the body.
Change your bedding more often
How often do you change your bedding? That seems like a trivial question, does not it? Well, it is not. Changing your sheets every week is essential to maintain good personal and home hygiene. And not only the sheets, but also the pillowcases.
In addition to cleaning, it's the perfect time to put away the comforter, quilt and blankets and replace them with linen or cotton sheets. By simply changing the sheets and taking a cool shower before bed, you will have a deep and restful sleep in the summer.
Continue reading this other article to learn more about how often should you change your bedsheets.
Place ice under the fan
First of all, keep in mind that there is no substitute for the traditional air conditioner. But if you do not have such a device at home and want to cool the air to lower the temperature a little, the trick with ice and fan works very well. All you need is: a metal bowl, ice and salt. Fill the bowl with ice and salt and place it in front of the fan, so that the air is directed inside the room. The salt will make the ice water fall below the freezing point.
Showers or baths with lukewarm water
When you take a shower or bath, remember that the water temperature should be lukewarm, never cold. If the water is cold, it may at first appear to lower the body temperature, but the contrast between the temperature of the water and that of the body will cause a reaction in the body. In response to the temperature drop, our body's thermoreceptors will begin to generate more heat from within in order to compensate. As a result, the feeling of heat will increase as soon as you step out of the shower.
Turn off the appliances that you are not using
Many of the items we have at home serve as a heat source when plugged in and working. We advise you to unplug all electrical appliances that you do not need, such as the computer or the microwave. Also, it is highly recommended to turn off the lights. You will soon notice how the heat in your home decreases.
Avoid going out in the middle of the day
It is important that you protect yourself from direct sunlight. Stay in cool, shaded or air-conditioned areas as long as possible. Avoid exposure to the sun during the middle hours of the day (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.). As well as spending long periods of time or sleeping in the sun.
Also, try to avoid physical activity during the hottest times and take advantage of the first hours of dawn or dusk.
Finally, remember to wear sunscreen every time you leave the house, even if it is for a few hours.
Continue reading this other article to learn more about the effects of the sun on your skin.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Stay Cool in Summer Without Air Conditioning, we recommend you visit our Family health category.