Cover image via Life In The Dog Lane
Is it us or are the 'hot' seasons getting warmer each year? Not only do we find ourselves melting into puddles of sweat and almost blinded by the glaring sunlight during the day…
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*(sighs)* The choice between going out for lunch or staying in our wonderfully air-conditioned offices is a most difficult one! #FirstWorldProblems
… We can barely get comfortable – let alone sleep! – at night because it is JUST. TOO. HOT.
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Some of us can't afford air-con at home okay. 🙁
Unfortunately, we're gonna have to bear with the hot and dry, rainless weather until the end of August, with daytime temperatures expected to rise up to 35°C
Image via The Debrief UK
Plus, like every other year, the choking haze is expected to make a return while those living in the Klang Valley should brace themselves for possible disruptions of their water supply. Again.
Yep, that's another two months of feeling sticky and gross! But before you start dunking your head into an ice bucket, you might wanna take note of these tips to keep cool and get through the sweltering heat:
1. This goes without saying – drink loads of water to keep yourself hydrated. For a refreshing change, add some fruits and fresh herbs to make some naturally-flavoured water!
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**Pro-tip #1:** Chrysanthemum is said to be a cooling herb that helps to clear the head, so drinking chysanthemum tea may help you cool down too.
**Pro-tip #2:** If you're craving for some fizzy drinks to quench your thirst, sports and isotonic drinks e.g. Gatorade, 100 Plus etc. are a great source of electrolytes.
**Pro-tip #3:** Wrap a wet paper towel around a bottled drink of your choice, put it in a freezer for about 15 minutes, and voila! An almost-instant ice cold drink!
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2. But make sure to avoid liquids that contain alcohol and caffeine, such as coffee and Coca Cola
Alcohol dehydrates the body, while caffeine increases the metabolic heat in the body.
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3. Instead of eating a large meal, opt for frequent small meals or snacks that do not require cooking next to a hot stove. Also, try to avoid consuming too much protein-laden foods.
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4. Hot days are the perfect excuse to go to the mamak for some spicy grub. Yep, you read that right – eating spicy food actually cools the body down by sweating it out!
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5. Wear loose and lightweight cotton clothes, preferably in light colours
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6. Same goes for your pillows and bed sheets
**Pro-tip:** Stick your bed sheets into a freezer for about 30 minutes before you go to bed. Remember to wrap it in a plastic bag beforehand unless you want it to smell like leftovers!
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5. Schedule any outdoor activities or exercise at cooler times, such as early in the morning or in the late evening. If that's not possible, scale down your level of activity.
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8. For a quick cool-down, chill your pulse points at the wrists, neck, elbows, groin, ankles, and behind the knees by applying ice packs or splashing cold water on them
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9. It's very tempting to take cold showers when it gets too hot, but it's only a temporary respite from the heat. Take a lukewarm (or below body temperature) bath or shower instead, especially before bedtime.
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10. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the fridge. You will welcome a quick refreshing spray to your face and everywhere else on your body after being outdoors.
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11. Keep your body lotions, cosmetic toners, eye creams, and facial masks in the fridge too. Putting on a chilled facial mask will change your life!
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12. Can't afford an air-con? Set up a makeshift one by placing a shallow pan or bowl (or any container) full of ice in front of a fan. The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice's surface as it melts to create a cooling mist. #DIYwin
Image via Loescher
13. To make things simpler, just head to places with air-conditioning like shopping malls, movie theatres, museums, or a public library. Free air-con FTW!
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14. Make sure to keep your curtains drawn before you head out so your house does not heat up like a greenhouse
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15. Light bulbs as well as electronic gadgets and appliances give off heat, so switch them off and keep them unplugged when not in use
Image via Nick Tassone / Flickr
16. Hot air rises, so set up your bed or cot as close to the ground as possible for a comfortable night's sleep. Even if it means dragging your mattress onto the floor.
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17. Cuddling up to your significant other is just bad news on a hot, sticky night. Sleeping alone does not only help you stay cool, you get to hog the entire bedspace for an entirely unselfish reason.
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