Summer is here with a vengeance. Weather reports across the country are talking about a dome of heat covering most of the nation with small relief in sight. Add to that the restrictions still in place in many parts of the US due to COVID-19, and you come up with one very hot and uncomfortable summer. Many people are very frustrated with high heat and on top of that few, if any, fun places to go outside a home. What is there to do to “keep cool” both from heat and boredom. Here are some suggestions:
- When it comes to trying to keep cool inside, the obvious answer is to lower the temperature on the air conditioning. For some, this is possible, but for many, especially for those on tight budgets, this idea isn’t a good one. Some people are not even fortunate enough to have air conditioning. Try using fans both ceiling and floor to keep air circulating. Small personal fans are not expensive and can be used by individuals where they are. Just letting the air blow over your body can really help keep you cool.
- Another trick to keeping cool when it comes to heat is to keep hydrating yourself. Many folks think drinking soda with ice will do this job, but in truth, soda is not a cooling drink. In fact, drinks with caffeine can actually make a person feel hotter. Good, old fashioned ice water will keep you the coolest. You can even take a small cloth dipped in ice water, wring it out, and place it around your neck for some quick relief.
- Keeping noise to a minimum, including the type of shows you watch and music you listen to can lower body temperature. Relaxing will also make for a cooler you.
- When it comes to finding things to do to keep busy but cool, you can play board or card games. There are many, many choices of games available for all ages. Some games can be played by an individual, some by several players. Game playing is also a “cool” way to include children is coping with the boredom of a hot, indoor summer.
- If there are young children in the home, playing in the bathtub is a great cooling adventure. Let them put their bathing suits on, provide bath toys, and pretend they are at the beach. Then have a “blanket” picnic following their swim.
- Research recipes for such cooling treat like popsicles, Jello, ice cream, whipped cream, pudding, and refrigerated desserts. Again, children enjoy helping make the cooling treats, and everyone enjoys eating them.
So, don’t despair as temperatures rise and boredom sets in. Put on your thinking cap, turn on the fans and relaxing music, drink lots of cold water, and eat cool foods. Play games and watch calming shows as you try to “keep cool” this difficult summer.
