Category: Articles

“Oh, dear, summer’s here,” I hear this phrase often, which after a certain point sounds comical as we complained all through the winter that we missed the sun. And now, we have too much sun, it seems! Wouldn’t you sometimes wish if you could jump into a pool and stay there all day, or better still to shut all your window shades and hibernate indoors just to escape that dreaded heat?

Fear not because I am going to reveal to you my top 5 tips to beat the heat and stay cool this summer. You probably are already doing some of them, if not… go ahead and give it a try. Stay calm and refreshed all summer long!

1) Ice cubes everywhere

Stock up your freezer with ice cubes. They are not only a lifesaver to add to all your drinks, but they could be used as a cold compress to cool you off. Stuff some of them into a clean cloth or sock, tie the end up and rub across your forehead, wrists, the back of your neck; your pressure points to feel refreshed. While at it you could also try some ‘Ice Therapy’. Read more about your Feng Fu point here.

Remember the ‘hot water bottle,’ fill it with cold water and some ice cubes and better still leave it in the freezer for a bit. Take it with you to bed to give you a fresher feel!

2) Lie low

Talking about beds…considering that the heated air will rise to the ceiling; it makes sense to move your mattress to the floor, as it will be cooler lower to the ground. Similarly, the ground floor of your “storied” house will generally be cooler than the upper floors.

3) Create a draft

We love air conditioning, but it isn’t very green or economical. Another way to keep cool is to use ventilators and to place them appropriately, like diagonally to a window so that it can optimise whatever little breeze passes by. Opening your windows/doors to create a draft running through your room will help.

Sometimes, depending on the isolation of your house, it’s cosier to close your shades and turn the lights off. The isolation maintains the cool air inside!

4) Cotton and more cotton

If you had to pick your clothing appropriately, then choose cotton or linen and go for light pastels instead of dark colours. Synthetics are a big “no-no,” as they do not breathe as easily as cotton does! Additionally, don’t forget to use cotton bed linen to give you a better, restful night.

5) Time to hydrate

I pile up loads of bottles of water into the fridge because there isn’t anything worse than drinking hot or room temperature water when it’s warm all around you. Take sips of cold water or make some lovely lemonade with many, many ice cubes! Try to stay away from hot drinks, but a few cocktails wouldn’t hurt anybody ;)!

Here is my ‘Easy Icy Cold Lemonade Recipe‘…ENJOY!

(Serves 4, in under 10mins)

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)

3-3½  cups water

Prep

Make a sugar syrup [the general rule is using 1:1 sugar and water]. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, occasionally stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.

In a pitcher, combine the syrup with the lemon juice and 2½ to 3 cups water. Serve over lots of ice. If you find still-water boring, then replace with sparkling water…it’s just as fine!

By Chriselda Barretto