Tips for Keep Cool This Summer

By Randi Morse

There are some people who love the summer months, and there are those who adore the chill of winter. I am definitely one of the people who prefers the cooler weather, which can make it difficult during the hot summer months. I've always said that it's far easier to warm up and stay warm than to cool down and stay cool, but there are some things that you can do which will help you beat the heat this summer.

Closing the House

When our grandparents were young, air conditioning was not nearly so common as it is today so they had to figure out ways to keep their homes cool even in the hottest of summer months. When the weather was cooler in the evening, they would open up all the windows and allow all the cool air to enter the home. Then as soon as the weather started heating the next day, they would shut the house up tight. We can do even better today thanks to thermal-backed curtains. You can even use a fan in the windows to blow the cold air in overnight and then shut the house up completely as soon as you wake up. It may make the house dark, but it will definitely make it cooler.

Cold Water

A cold shower may be uncomfortable to jump into but it is a fantastic way to cool down. But did you know that you can cool your whole body down just by running cold water over your wrists? Your veins are very close to the surface on your wrist, with little skin between the veins and the air. Running cold water over your wrists cools your blood fairly quickly, which then moves to the rest of your body.

Sleeping

There's nothing worse than trying to fall asleep during a really hot evening. I struggled with a solution for this problem for years, and I finally found something that works for me: ice packs. When I find that I can't sleep because I'm too hot, I grab an ice pack from my freezer. I put it on the back of my neck, on my forehead, and even sometimes down by my feet. This helps cool my whole body down and even though it doesn't keep me cool all night, it does cool me down enough that I'm able to fall asleep.

Overheating in the summer months is not only uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous for your health. Take the necessary precautions to ensure that you're OK during the summer months.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tempe, Ariz.