Really Cool Ways to Stay Cool in Summer

Depending on the location of your summer home, you could have a mild summer or you could have a hot humid summer. The feeling of hot is relative. I lived in the north eastern part of the United States for a number of years. I lived in the mid-Atlantic area for many years. I lived in the Western area of the United States also. And I also lived in several countries in Europe. Each had what they called a hot summer and none of them were similar in temperature. So again I will say what is hot to one person is cool to another person. Its all relative. But the fact remains, everyone seeks relief from the summer heat at one time or another. We all have a home remedy for staying cool. I have included a few home remedies you may be familiar with and some you may wonder where did that come from.

Older people should be very careful when the summer heat is sizzling.They may be overcome by the heat much quicker than younger people. All people, regardless of age should do most of their demanding outdoor activities before the hottest part of the day. By doing so, you avoid the onset of dangerous heat stroke symptoms and heat exhaustion symptoms. Both may cause a premature death. If you walk someplace, make it a game to walk in the shade areas as much as possible.

Not too many people can handle staying indoors on a beautiful summers day. Safety and comfort are the key when summer heat is at its hottest. During the hottest part of the day try to find activities that help you to stay in doors. Turn on the air conditioner. If you do not have an air conditioner, keep the shades drawn on the sunny side of the house. Invest in house shades and insulated drapes if you do not already have them. Turn on a fan to help make the air circulate throughout the house. Its alright to open the windows on the side of the house that the sun is not shining intensely on. The fan and open windows will create a draft to flow through the house. Turn on a movie and enjoy it during the hottest part of the day. Let the fan blow on you while you are looking at the movie.

If possible avoid turning on the oven. It will heat the house and the heat will linger. If you have a second floor in your home, the heat will accumulate up there. Most multi-story homes have their sleeping areas on the second floor. If you have blankets on the bed, take them off. The blankets hold the body heat. The bed does not have an opportunity to completely cool. It is best to use light weight bed clothing. They allows your body to remain cool while preventing chills during the night. If possible sleep on the porch. Safety is your first concern when sleeping on the porch.

Wear light weight clothing. Wear a wide brim hat. It will protect your eyes, shoulders, neck and scalp. Wear shoes that allow air to cool feet. If you must wear closed in shoes, wear cotton socks. They absorb the perspiration and allow your feet to breathe. Wear loose fitting clothes. Again they allow your body to breathe.

Bathe as often as needed to help stay cool. Use cool water instead of warm water. Keep hair up off the neck. If you're willing, cut your hair short in summer. It allows more air to circulate around your neck, scalp and face.

Eat light food. Sip a cool non-alcoholic drink.Your body will not need to work as hard to burn the excess calories. Drink plenty of liquids. Sports drinks made especially for hot days help retain the electrolytes in your body. Rest as often as needed to regain and maintain your strength.

A book you have been meaning to read will relax you and take your mind off the heat. Join the reading club at the library and have a reading contest with other members of your family. Easy listening music in the background settles the energy in the room and therefore compliments your goal to remain cool. Go to an air conditioned movie house during the hottest part of the day. Go to an outdoor movie in the evening. Go to the park in the evening and listen to musicians. Play with the children in the pool or have a water fight with them. And garden hose on full pressure to top off the fun. Don't forget the beach and the lake.


If you must drive, use the air conditioner. Try to avoid driving towards the sun. Place something over your driving arm gets the direct sun. If you must stop in traffic, try to stop in the shade of a large vehicle. If you are able to coast to an over hanging tree, stop in its shade. Place an air ventilating seat over your car seat. It allows your body to breathe between the car seat and your body. Tint the windows as dark as the law will allow. Your children will love you more for it. Allow the children to make popsicles.