There was once a time when climate change could be denied and ignored, but that time has well and truly passed. Summers are hotter than ever and it can drive anyone to the brink of insanity. That’s why keeping cool and self-care are a top priority, and it’s honestly the only way you’ll be able to enjoy the summer. If you want to stay comfortable in hot weather and NOT melt away, here are 7 ways to make that happen:
Jump on the aguas frescas bandwagon
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“Agua fresca” is a traditional Mexican drink and it’s the epitome of refreshing, so it can help you stay cool and happy during the summer. They’re delicious and there’s a great variety of them, so you won’t get bored. They can be made with fruits like watermelon, mango, pineapple, etc., or cereals, flowers, and seeds, mixed with water and sugar. Exploring the world of aguas frescas is a delight and they’re very easy to make at home, so start hunting for recipes and make your summer that much better. They’re perfect for summer picnics too!
Snack on frozen treats
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Ice cream and popsicles are summer staples, so you should have a stock of them. We recommend you go for “paletas,” which are popsicles available in a variety of flavors. They’re a Latino staple, especially among Mexicans, and they’re known for their fruity and creamy flavors. If you feel adventurous, you should try to find mango-chile paletas or make them at home. Trust us, mango and chile go super well together! At any rate, any kind of paleta will keep you cool while you indulge in a delicious snack.
Hydrate like a pro
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This is an obvious one, but let’s not act like we don’t forget or struggle to keep our water intake up every day. Staying hydrated is more essential than ever during the summer, especially if we’re spending a lot of time outside. So keep yourself fresh and healthy by having your insulated water bottle with you at all times. That will help you sip on it throughout the day, just make sure the water is nice and cool. You can jazz it up a bit and make it more delicious by adding slices of lemon or lime, cucumber, mint, etc. Just don’t rely too much on sugary drinks because they actually dehydrate you.
Keep your house as cool as possible
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The easiest way to keep your sanity during the summer is to make sure your home is well-ventilated. Keeping the A/C during the day can get expensive really quickly, so setting up fans around the house is a great way to keep your home comfortable in the daytime. As a little hack, you can set up bowls of ice in front of the fan to make the air cooler. Also, make sure you close the curtains during the hottest parts of the day. The more sun gets into your home, the hotter it will be.
Take refreshing showers
woman taking a showerPhoto by Laura Marques on UnsplashShowering more often during the summer is a great way to stay cool. We’re not saying you should shower every hour, but whenever you’re feeling like you can’t bear the heat, having a quick, cool, or lukewarm shower will lower your body temperature. Also, consider getting a peppermint or eucalyptus-scented body wash! They cause a refreshing sensation on the skin and you’ll feel it even after you’ve toweled off.
Reach out for your cooling mists
Photo by Kalos Skincare on UnsplashCooling mists are lifesavers and they can help you stay nice and fresh during the day. They’re very easy to make at home by mixing floral waters like rose water with some citrus essential oil or aloe vera gel. Spritz the cooling mist on your face and body whenever you need a hit and you’ll feel instantly better. Not to mention these cooling mists will keep your skin hydrated!
Wear hats!
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Even if hats aren’t usually your thing, you might want to adopt them just for the summer. Especially if you have plenty of activities planned under the sun. They will protect your face from sun damage and provide some much-needed shade. There are plenty of hat options to consider, but a good old sombrero is, by far, the best one because it offers a lot more shade than, say, a regular cap. Plus, it just looks so much better!
