During the hot summer months, it can be difficult to stay cool and enjoy yourself, especially if you don't have air conditioning or have to be outside. You can keep your interior cooler during the day by blocking out sunlight and avoiding activities that may make your home hotter

During the hot summer months, it can be difficult to stay cool and enjoy yourself, especially if you don't have air conditioning or have to be outside. You can keep your interior cooler during the day by blocking out sunlight and avoiding activities that may make your home hotter. When you're outdoors, you can beat the heat by seeking shade, going to areas with natural winds, and wearing appropriate clothing.

1. Keep cool

. Turn off the lights at home. Incandescent lights and even some LED bulbs generate heat when they light up your home. Use lights only when necessary and use other light sources, such as cell phone flashlights, to reduce temperatures. [1]

• You can also unplug any lights or electronic devices that you are not using. Sometimes electronic devices can heat up even when they are in "standby" mode because they are drawing power from the outlet.

. Keep windows closed during the day. Although it may seem counterproductive, opening windows allows hot air from outside to enter your home. As soon as the sun rises, close and lock the windows to allow the cool air to stay in your home. [2][3]

• If your windows do not lock, or you feel some air leaking when you close the window, consider placing a towel on the open sash of the window to block the air.

. Cover windows with shades or curtains. Hang blackout curtains during the day or place car sunshades on the windows. As soon as the sun rises, completely close the curtains or extend the shades to prevent the sun from heating your home. [4]

• Car sun visors usually have a shiny backing material that can reflect sunlight and is suitable for smaller windows.
• Blackout curtains absorb sunlight and are often suitable for larger windows.

. Open your windows and use a fan to amplify the breeze at night. After the sun goes down, install a large fan in front of an open window to blow cool air into the room. If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on to circulate air throughout the room. [5][6]

• If it's a very warm night, spray yourself with cold water from a water bottle and stand in front of a fan before going to bed. This can significantly lower your body temperature and help you fall asleep.

5. On hot days, use a dehumidifier to maintain moisture. Humidity can make people feel worse than they actually are. Invest in a basic dehumidifier for the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the living room and bedrooms. A dehumidifier will absorb moisture from the air, making the heat less stuffy. [7][8]

• Even if you have a window air conditioner unit, dehumidifiers can be helpful because they remove moisture from the air before it is circulated into the air conditioner, making the process more efficient. Without a dehumidifier, the air conditioner would have to cool and dehumidify the air.

  . Avoid turning on appliances that can heat your home. In the summer, it's best to eat cold meals or do most of the cooking in the microwave or outside on the grill. Turn off stoves and ovens on the hottest days to keep the air as cool as possible. [9]

  • If you need to cook indoors, consider cooking with a griddle or panini press, which are less powerful and emit less heat into the kitchen.
  • Your dishwasher can also make your home hotter in the summer. Try washing dishes by hand to avoid releasing hot hot air into your home.

  2. Enjoy summer activities

  

  
  1. Do indoor activities during the hottest time of the day. The temperature outside may be muggy from 10am to 4pm. To stay cool and avoid the sun's rays, if your home doesn't have air conditioning, stay indoors or go to an area that does. [10]

  • For example, if you want a low-cost activity, you could plan to study in the library or go for a walk in the mall.
  • If you want fun activities with friends, you can plan to have lunch with them at a restaurant, go to a museum, or go to the movies.

  

  . If you are outside for a long time, find a place to rest in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight for more than 30-45 minutes during the day. While you're enjoying your outdoor activities, take some time to sit under a tree, relax under an umbrella, or hang out in your tent to refuel. [11]

  • If you are going where there are not many shady places to sit, remember to bring an umbrella or tent. In a pinch, you can even sit under the tailgate of an SUV or in a car with the windows open.

  

  
  3. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, plan a trip to a cooler location. Places such as high mountains, dense forests, shady places, rivers and valleys have natural breezes that can be very refreshing and cool. If you want to do something outdoors, plan a day hiking in the shade of a forest or walking along a breezy river or stream. [12]

  • Keep in mind that these locations don’t always have a breeze, but they tend to be windier than other areas.

  

  . Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to keep your body cool. Lightweight clothing in light colors, such as white, light blue, light tan, light pink and light yellow, are your best choice when it comes to keeping cool. If you are at the beach or at home, you can wear less clothing, such as a tank top and shorts or a swimsuit. If you're running errands or going to work, wear clothes made of lightweight materials like linen, cotton, silk, or other breathable fabrics. [13] When you try on clothes, try to choose loose, flowing cuts that will keep your body cool and reduce restriction.

  

  
  . If you start to feel sick, take a break from the heat. If you are outdoors during the day and start to feel dizzy or sick, go indoors to a cooler area and drink at least 2 US quarts (1,900 ml) of water. Always rest for at least 2 hours before returning outdoors. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or stomachache may be early signs of severe fever. [14]

  • Symptoms such as profuse sweating, slurred or incoherent speech, convulsions and chills, and vomiting are more severe. If you see someone exhibiting these symptoms, contact emergency medical services immediately. [15]
  • If you find yourself unable to cool down after going indoors, immerse your body in cold water or place ice packs under your armpits, back of your neck, and groin area. If you don't feel cool within 5 minutes, call emergency services for help.

  3. Summer hydration

  

  . In hot weather, drink at least 96 fluid ounces (2,800 ml) of water. Aim to stay hydrated by consuming at least 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) of water per hour when temperatures are high. Try drinking water with every meal and throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and cool. [17]

  • If this seems daunting to you, carry a bottle of water with you during the day or swap 1 drink for a glass of water each day.

  

  . Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda can make you slightly dehydrated when you drink them. Try to limit yourself to 1 caffeinated or sugary drink per day and focus on drinking water before and after consuming caffeine or sugar. [18]

  • If you like the taste of soda, consider adding flavor to your water using flavored drops or powders available at supermarkets. This way, you get the health benefits of water with the flavor of soda.
  • If you like the carbonation effect of soda, consider drinking carbonated water instead of soda water.

    

    . Drink sports drinks after strenuous activity. When you sweat a lot, such as running, lifting weights, exercising, or even gardening, your body can quickly become dehydrated. After drinking a sports drink, drink at least 1 cup (240 ml) of water to keep your body fully hydrated. [19]

    • Sports drinks contain a mixture of carbohydrates , sodium and potassium, called electrolytes, which help replenish minerals lost during sweating and promote hydration.