Ways to stay cool for the Summer

Summer is a season that brings excitement and joy, but with that comes heat and discomfort. From traditional methods to unique DIYs, read on to find different ways to keep yourself cool and comfortable this summer!

1. Stay hydrated: 
   1. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Remember, you aren’t limited to plain water, and there are plenty of different juices or even iced teas available at supermarkets. Some healthier alternatives might be smoothies with a variety of fruits/vegetables of your choice. You can take it a step further and create fruit ice cubes for your drinks by freezing diced fruits in an ice cube tray. Place them into your glass for a nice refreshing drink! 
2. Dress lightly: 
   1. One of the most straightforward and effective ways to stay cool during the summer is to dress lightly. Opt for lightweight fabrics such as rayon, cotton, or linen, which allow your skin to breathe and prevent excess sweating. You can also wear loose-fitted clothing that allows air to circulate through your body. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothes as they absorb heat. 
3. Dampen your curtains: 
   1. Lightly wetting curtains can provide a cooling effect in your house. Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist your curtains with it. As water evaporates, it cools the air around it, reducing the overall temperature of the room. Dampening your curtains is a great way to add moisture to the room, helping with dry skin and some respiratory issues. 
4. Wrap a cold towel around your neck:
   1. A cold, wet towel around your neck keeps you from overheating by cooling down the blood vessels that run through your neck, helping lower your overall body temperature. You can also relieve tension in your neck and shoulders. 
5. Make a mist spray
   1. Creating a mist spray is a fun and easy way to keep refreshed during hot summer days. To make your own, simply mix water and a few drops of your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle. Peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are great options as they have cooling properties and a refreshing scent. You can also add aloe vera gel for an extra hydrating boost. 
6. DIY air conditioner
   1. When the summer heat becomes unbearable, a DIY air conditioner can be a lifesaver. To make your own, you’ll need a Styrofoam cooler, ice, a small fan, and polyvinyl chloride pipes. Cut two holes in the cooler lid, attach the PVC pipes, and place the fan on top of the pvc pipes facing down. Fill the cooler with ice to create a refreshing breeze. This DIY air conditioner is perfect for outdoor activities and camping trips or when your regular AC breaks down.
7. Skincare in the fridge: 
   1. Skincare might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to beating hot weather, but you can use lotions, sunscreens, facial masks to stay cool and protect your skin from the heat. Keeping skincare products in the fridge for a couple of hours helps them be refreshingly cool and ready to use when you need them.
8.  Eat light, cold foods 
   1. Eating light cold foods is a great way to stay cool in the summer. Heavy, hot meals can make your body feel sluggish and raise your body temperature. Salads, fruit bowls, and cold soups are refreshing options to help regulate your body temperature and provide energy. Add cool ingredients like cucumbers, watermelon, and mint to enhance their benefits.