Are you finding ways to beat the heat? According to the 2016 Farmer’s Almanac, the United States summer temperatures will be above normal with exceptions in the Southeast, near the Gulf of Mexico, and along the spine of the Appalachians. Rainfall will be below normal in most of the nation’s midsection.
Beat the Heat Without AC: Surviving The Summer
We experience extreme discomfort due to the heat and humidity in and out of our homes. If we have an AC unit, then we're probably fine. If we don't, we tend to resort to a number of ridiculous ways to beat the heat, just to make our lives a little bit more comfortable. Here's a list you can try out to survive the summer heat by keeping your house cool.
1. Utilize Box Fans and Ceiling Fans
In order to let cooler air in the house during the evening or other parts of the day, you can do the following:
- Use box fans
- Open doors
- Open windows to allow more air circulation
When the sun comes up you should do the following:
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Keep blinds and curtains closed
2. Make Water Your Best Friend
Soaking your feet in a bucketful of cool water can lower your body temperature. The same goes with a wet bandanna or towel placed on your head or shoulder. You can spray yourself with water using a spray bottle. If that does not satisfy you, hit the shower for a quick bath.
3. Don't Forget to Stay Hydrated
image via Flickr
Staying hydrated by drinking ample amount of water is one way to keep cool. We lose a lot of fluids through our sweat, and we get thirsty every now and then. This is why we tend to consume more water when the heat is beating down on us.
4. Hang Out Downstairs
Since hot air rises, the upper stories of a home will be warmer than the first floor. The first level of a home or a basement can be a cool refuge from the midday heat.
5. Consider Hanging a Hammock Indoors
**This particular hammock can be purchased here on Amazon**
A hammock in the home? Why not? A ‘net style’ hammock would be perfect as it provides great air circulation around your body – perfect for those hot suffocating nights. Watch the following video for instructions on how to safely install a hammock indoors. Remember, hot air rises, so hang it as low as you can.
6. Stop By Air Conditioned Public Buildings
Should the heat become intolerable in certain parts of the day, you can take a trip to town and enjoy public buildings with air conditioning. Some of the best places would be a movie house, malls, libraries, or a coffee shop.
7. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Both of these substances can act as diuretics and promote dehydration. But, if you’re like me and must have your morning coffee, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day!
8. Limit Your Protein
Excessive protein can increase metabolic heat and warm the body. So it is best to control your food intake. Apparently, what you eat matters in staying cool.
9. Don't Forget About Your Pets' Needs
If you’re hot, then imagine how they must feel. Lower their body temperature by giving them a shower or a bath. You can also place a cool washcloth or towel over them with the aid of a fan to help cool them down as well. Provide a ready-made fresh drinking source for your pets to keep them hydrated.
10. Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Knowing the warning signs of a heat stroke is so important! Call emergency services (911) in the event of a heat emergency and try to cool the victim until help arrives.
Symptoms of a heat stroke are:
- High body temperature – A body temperature of 104 Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke
- A change in behavior or mental state
- Change in sweating
- Vomiting and nausea
- Rapid breathing
- Flushed skin
- Headache
- Racing heart rate
DreamWorksTV shows us a video about life hacks for kids on how to beat the heat:
Well, there you have it! Probably linking a popsicle while doing all those on the list would help. If you have different healthy homemade popsicle recipes while you're at it would be great! You can also find ways to keep your farm animals cool if you have any. So what are you waiting for? Keep the heat at bay and start enjoying the remaining days of summer!
Do you have any more ideas on how to beat the heat? Please add them in the comments below!
Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke vs heat exhaustion!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr!
**Portions of this article have been courtesy of medicinenet.com.
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on July 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Keep reminding us! Many of us are elderly and don’t have families close by, so when you see one of us, we (elderly) can use a reminder, who knows you might end up walking away with a huge hug and large refreshing drink from the local Sonic drive=Inn. LOL Thanks Steve H.
Take a cool shower. That works great. Also freeze a rectangular plastic bottle of water. Lay it on your stomach (round rolls off to easily) and it cools your core. Or put it on you pillow and lay your neck. Experiment with it.
The article is clear and well documented with enough science to be readable by a professional. Thank you for sharing.