And for those of us who are pro-environment, the mere thought of huge electric bills and all the greenhouse emissions are enough to send a frisson rolling down the spine.
Let’s go back to the era before god-sent air-conditioning. There were ways that people kept themselves fit and cool in the hot months. Let’s take a dekko at some of the ways to stay chilled and beat the heat.
Ease into your exercise
So, while summer is the ideal month of vacations, barbeques and open pools, exercise is the last thing you want to do. However, if one is not careful, it is easy to slip into unhealthy habits during the summers. It is best to schedule your outdoor exercise and activities early in the morning or in the evening. Give your body time to adapt to the heat. Start slow and allow for extra warm up so that the body adjusts to the heat as well as the intensity. Shorten your workouts and listen to your body. You could also split your workout into part-morning and part evening. Indulge in water workouts. For cooling off post workout or any outdoor activity, mix ammonia spirits in ice-cold water with small towels in it. Rub towel on skin as needed.
Heat Snorkeling
Try heat snorkeling. Take a glass and fill it up with ice cubes. Hold it up to your mouth and blow gently into the cup. The ice causes the air blown into the cup to cool down drastically. The air has only one way out of the cup and that is right into your face, cooling your skin.
Spice can be nice
Spicy food for summers; who would have thought! But it’s true. Food that is spicy increases perspiration, which cools the body down as it evaporates. It is also known to cause an endorphin rush that is rather pleasant. Also, don’t eat. Graze. You must have noticed that you feel hot after a big, sumptuous meal. This is not because the food was served warm but because huge, protein-rich meals force the body to add fuel to the metabolic fires. So, break it down to smaller, more frequent meals.
Cosmetic Coolers
You could store all your lotions and cosmetic toners in the fridge and use on hot and tired feet. If you are wearing a cap or a hat, remove it and pour some ice-cold water into it. Quickly invert it and place it on top of your head.
Chilled Cues
When one is sick, a cold facecloth is used to bring the body temperature down. Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or more every hour. Similarly, splashing cold water on your temples or face will have a similar effect. Soak your feet in a bucket of cold water. The body radiates heat from the hands, feet, face and ears, so cooling any of these parts will cool the body. Be sure to drink enough water to keep the body hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these dehydrate the body of fluids.
Cold Thoughts
Think cool. Read a book about Mount Everest, or taking a holiday in Iceland or watch Ice Age or March of the Penguins. You may not be physically cooler but perhaps if the mind transports itself to a cooler environ, you may feel cooler.
Fridge Comforts
Slice a sliver of cold cucumber and stick it in the middle of your forehead. This feels great instantly! Freeze chopped fruit such as watermelon, pineapple etc and have it later.
Admittedly, the mind-numbing heat can have an adverse effect on the old caboose, but these methods can shine some sun on those grey cells. So, no matter what the temperatures soar to, it is imperative to maintain a fitness regime for optimal health. Find a balance that works well for you and follow it. Tackle the heat with these unusual mantras that are simple and effective. Stay fit and keep glowing all throughout the summers.