Most people who know me also know that I am a true fan of warm weather and of summer in particular — the hotter the better, to my mind!
Yes, I have been called crazy by some people for having booked Disney in August and July — among the hottest, most humid months when you can visit. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
I would rather be able to cool down during the summer heat waves than try to warm up during the cold winters. Simply put, I love the heat — but when the weather gets downright steamy, even I sometimes need to find ways to cool down.
What are some ways that I survive and keep cool during summer heat waves? Keep reading to find out!
Drink Ice Water
To keep cool, stay hydrated. And when you drink water, the coldest water will feel the best going down on the hottest days of the year!
Use Cooling Towels
I was first turned onto the use of cooling towels at Disney World during a heat wave that brought temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. To try it yourself, buy cooling towels at your local drugstore, then soak them in ice water (again, the colder the better). After you do, place them around your neck. The area around your neck is a pressure point, so cooling it can help cool your whole body. You can try this with other pressure points, too!
Sleep With an Ice Pack
I have a lower-back condition, so I am accustomed to using an ice pack for my lower back when I have flare-ups. During a heat wave, however, I’ve found that placing ice packs under the lower back area or legs during sleep can also help keep my body cool.
Take a Cold Shower
At the risk of sounding repetitive, you just can’t beat cold water when you’re trying to cool off. So when all other measures fail, take a cold shower — nothing beats the whole-body cooling it provides.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
During a heat wave, air conditioning is essential — and, as a bonus, it helps maintain air quality while keeping allergens at bay during allergy season. Luckily for homeowners who don’t already have an air conditioning system, today we have many styles and models to choose from.
However, after you have an air conditioning system installed in your home, be sure to keep current on its maintenance. You don’t want to be stuck without air conditioning during a heat wave because you didn’t make sure your system was working properly before the weather got unbearably hot. Additionally, you might want to consider signing a contract or service agreement with your air conditioning service provider for extra peace of mind. After all, you’ll want your air conditioning system to work when you need it the most — such as during a summer heat wave.
There you have it: You’ve discovered my five ways to beat summer heat waves. Stay cool, now!
