Finally, it’s summertime! And when it’s summertime, it’s hot, hot, hot! 

Wouldn’t it be nice to bask on the sand or head to the mall to cool down or sip an ice-cold drink?

Although it’s easy to do those things, the pandemic is still going on with new variants sprouting like mushrooms. It’s better to be safe than sorry and only go out for essentials or work.

But just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you have to struggle with the heat. All you need are some tips to keep you cool this summer while staying safe at home.

Take cold showers

Sometimes, all you really need is a nice and cold bath. It refreshes your skin, improves blood circulation, and lowers your body’s core temperature. If you’re using the good ol’ kabo and baldi, fill the pail to the brim first thing in the morning so you can enjoy cold water whenever you need to cool down. Nothing worse than bathing with super hot water when you’re already sweaty and uncomfortable.

Light clothes for the win

Put on some loose clothes, preferably in lighter colors and breathable fabrics. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they’re also lightweight

• Some fabrics you can wear for summer are linen or cotton. They keep your body cool by allowing air to go through the fabric.

Stay away from caffeine and alcohol

We know, we know. But while an ice-cold coffee or a beer below zero will provide temporary respite from the heat, consuming beverages can cause dehydration to your body. Instead, eat smaller meals and go for ‘cooling’ foods like cucumbers, cauliflowers, and fruits.

• Fruits are the best cooling foods this summer. You can store it in your refrigerators to cool it before consuming it. 
• You can also level up by making fruit shakes — very healthy and refreshing!
• It may sound a bit off, but eating spicy food can also help cool your body down. Try it! You’d be surprised.

Use ice packs or damp towels.

If only we could take cold showers every minute of the day — we probably could, but that would be too much! As a cool alternative, use ice packs or damp towels instead.

• If ice packs aren’t available at home, you can always improvise. Put ice in a ziplock and wrap it with a thin cloth towel. And there you have your instant ice pack!
• You can also prepare a clean damp towel and rub it on your face, arms, neck, and anywhere on your body when you feel too warm.

Cover the doors and windows.

Block direct sunlight by closing the blinds on your west-facing windows and doors, or using curtains to keep the house cool. But leave some doors and windows open to let air in, so you don’t feel like you are in an oven!

• Black-out curtains are a great investment that you can use all year long.
• You can also add plants inside your home to block off some heat and create shade.

Store moisturizers and lotions inside the refrigerator

Whether it’s summer or not, skincare is a must! Feel refreshed whenever you do your routine by putting your moisturizer, sunblock, and eye cream in the ‘fridge.

• Lotions and moisturizers can get sticky when you sweat. Switch to lighter formulas and look for non-comedogenic options so you won’t clog pores and cause breakouts.
• Incorporate aloe-vera-based skincare into your routine for an extra cooling sensation.