10 Ways To Beat The Heat In Kalamazoo

If you are suffering through this heat wave, here are 10 hacks to keep you cool

Not everyone has air conditioning and even if you do, the heat is awful (not to mention the humidity)! Here are some ways to beat the heat wave!

Mentalfloss.com and Greatist.com had the best tips for staying cool during this blazing Michigan summer!

1. CLOSE THE CURTAINS AND SHUT THE BLINDS

It's tempting to let some of the summer sunshine in, but doing so will also make the numbers on your thermostat climb. By some estimates, as much as 30 percent of unwanted heat comes in through windows, so it pays to keep them covered.

2. CREATE A WIND TUNNEL

Got windows on opposite sides of your house or apartment? Take advantage of cooler temps in the mornings and evenings by creating a wind tunnel. Face one fan inward in front of the window where the air is coming in, and place one fan facing outward in front of the opposing window.

 

3. USE A HOT WATER BOTTLE

When it’s too sweltering to sleep comfortably, grab a hot water bottle and fill it with ice water. Place it under your ankles or knees to help cool your entire body.

 

 4. CHILL CERTAIN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Store your lotion, face toner, aloe gels, perfume, moisturizer, and eye creams in the fridge. Keeping them chilled will not only cool you down when you apply them.

 

5. FIND YOUR PULSE POINTS.

Pulse points are areas of your body where you can feel your pulse through the skin because blood vessels are positioned close to the surface. Applying ice or a cold cloth to these points can help cool you down from the inside out. Find them in your neck, wrists, the insides of elbows and knees, the tops of your feet, the insides of your ankles, your inner thighs, and just in front of your ears.

6. HANG A DAMP SHEET IN FRONT OF A WINDOW

Get a sheet damp, then hang it over an open window. The hot air that passes through evaporates the water contained in the sheet, which creates a cooling air stream.

 

7. WRAP YOURSELF IN A COLD BLANKET

If you prefer to sleep on your sheets instead of using them as curtains, put them in a plastic bag and toss them in your fridge for an hour before bedtime (or even just a few minutes). Your body heat will warm them up eventually, of course, but having a cool base can at least help you get to sleep faster.

8.  KEEP SOME PRODUCTS FRESHLY MINTED

The menthol in peppermint tricks us into feeling cool, which you can use to your advantage on warm days. Reader’s Digest suggests brewing some peppermint tea and pop it into the fridge; when it’s cool, you can put it in a bottle and spray yourself as temperatures soar.

 

9. Unplug at night

As in, literally disconnect electronics. Gadgets and other small appliances give off heat, even when turned off. Reduce total heat in the house (and save energy!) by keeping plugs out of sockets when the appliances are not in use.

10. Be a lone wolf

Sorry lovebugs, but sleeping alone is way better than spooning for staying cool. Cuddling with a partner increases body heat, making the bed a sticky, sweaty pit of despair instead of a cool, calm oasis.

Stay hydrated, and remember to make sure your animals have shade and water.