Chill Out This Summer With These Tips!
Well, summer is officially here and it’s hot hot hot. While it’s nice to escape from the bitter cold winter, the rising heat has worried local governments about state-wide power outages. Not sure how to chill out this summer? In today’s blog, we’ll discuss how to keep a room cold and how to spot signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Plus, some additional tips of beating the heat!
Keeping a Room Chill
Not all building have air conditioning, especially those that were built before World War II. However, all hope is not lost. Instead, check out these tips on how to cool down your room.
Fans and Cross-Breezes
Box fans are your friends. By pointing one out they window they push the hot air away. Remember to run it anti-clockwise so the heat is pulled up and out rather than pushed around the room. Position a fan across from the window to make the most of a natural airflow. What’s more, you can make a DIY air conditioner by placing a shallow bowl of ice in front of the fan. As the ice melts, the fan pushes a chill mist throughout the space.
The Light
Not only should you avoid turning the lights on, but you should also keep the use of all electronics to a minimum. Usually, devices like television sets, laptops and phones work overtime to keep themselves chill. Therefore, producing more heat. What’s more, blocking out the natural light will help to keep the room cooler and more bearable when it’s time to sleep.
Sheets and The Heat
Sheets can be used any which way to beat the heat.
- Hang a wet sheet in front of an open window. The blowing breeze will bring down the room’s temperature.
- Choose lightweight cotton or linen to promote ventilation and airflow.
- Stick your sheets in the freezer or fridge a few minutes before bed time. We also recommend this tip with socks! Conversely, you could dampen a sheet (or towel) in cool water and use it as a blanket.
Still too hot? Chill out with a hot water bottle. Instead of filling it with boiling water, put it in the freezer to create a make-shift ice pack.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
While we all make an effort to drink water and apply skincare protection, hot weather can bring on deadly ailments. Read up on how to keep yourself safe and well!
Sign of Heat Exhaustion
These ailments include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and nausea
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in arm, legs, and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature
- being thirsty
How to Cool Down
- Move to a chill place.
- Lie down and raise the feet slightly.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Cool the skin with a spray/sponge and fans. Placing ice packs around the armpits and neck is helpful.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious. However, if untreated within 30 minutes it can turn into heatstroke. This is an emergency.
Signs of heatstroke include:
- feeling unwell after cool down measures are taken
- not sweating even while feeling too hot
- very high temperature
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- feeling confused
- a fit (seizure)
- loss of consciousness
- not responsive
If the last two happen, put the person in the recovery position while waiting for help.
Chill With These Other Tips
Need more advice on keeping chill? Then check out these additional tips!
- take cold baths and showers
- sprinkle water over skin or clothes
- avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- avoid excess alcohol and meat consumption
- apply cold compresses to pulse points at you wrists, neck, elbows, ankles and behind your knees
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