Nifty Fifty Fridays

50 Ways to Beat the HOT Summer Heat

It’s getting hotter and hotter and hotter!  And it’s really hard to focus on telling great stories to your donors and community when it’s this hot.  So here are a few dozen ways to beat the heat – so you get back to changing the world, one story at a time.

1. Drink Plenty of Water: Stay hydrated to help your body regulate its temperature.

2. Eat Cold Foods: Cold meals or snacks can help keep your internal temperature down.

3. Wear Light Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics can help keep you cool.

4. Use a Fan: Circulate air to cool your environment.

5. Apply Cold Compresses: Put them on your wrists, neck, or forehead for quick cooling.

6. Stay in the Shade: If you're outside, find a shaded area to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

7. Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Stay inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its hottest.

8. Take Cool Showers: This can help lower your body temperature.

9. Use Air Conditioning: If available, this is one of the most effective ways to beat the heat.

10. Use Peppermint Oil: The natural cooling effect of peppermint oil can be refreshing.

11. Eat Spicy Foods: It might sound counterintuitive, but spicy foods can make you sweat, which cools you down.

12. Cover Windows: Use shades or curtains to block out the sun and keep rooms cool.

13. Avoid Strenuous Activities: Keep exercise and other intense activities to cooler parts of the day.

14. Use Cooling Pillows: There are pillows designed with cooling technology to keep your head cool while sleeping.

15. Go Swimming: A dip in the pool is a classic way to cool down.

16. Wear a Wet Bandana: A wet bandana around your neck can help keep you cool.

17. Freeze a Bottle of Water: Drink it or use it as a cold compress.

18. Spray Yourself with Water: Use a spray bottle for instant cooling.

19. Eat More Watermelon: Water-rich foods like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers can help you stay hydrated.

20. Run Your Wrists Under Cold Water: Your wrists are pulse points, so cooling them can cool your whole body.

21. Plant Trees for Shade: If you have the ability, plant trees around your home to provide natural shade.

22. Install Reflective Window Film: This can help to reflect the sun's rays back out.

23. Install Insulation: Proper insulation can help keep your home cool.

24. Go to a Public Air-conditioned Space: Libraries, malls, and movie theaters are often air-conditioned.

25. Wear a Hat: Protect your head from direct sunlight.

26. Use Ice Packs: Keep them in the freezer for a quick way to cool down.

27. Put Sheets in the Freezer: For a short-term solution, put your bed sheets in the freezer before bed.

28. Drink Iced Beverages: Sip on iced coffee, iced tea, or just plain iced water.

29. Avoid Alcohol: It can dehydrate you, making it harder for your body to regulate its temperature.

30. Wear Light Colors: They reflect sunlight, while dark colors absorb it.

31. Put Up a Sunshade or Awning: Use one over your patio or deck to keep it cooler.

32. Use a Dehumidifier: High humidity can make the heat feel even worse.

33. Avoid Using the Oven: It can heat up your home. Try grilling or using a slow cooker instead.

34. Unplug Electronics: They can generate heat, even when not in use.

35. Close Unused Rooms: Keep doors closed to unused rooms to prevent cool air from going into these areas.

36. Start a Water Balloon Fight: It's fun and you'll cool down quickly!

37. Put Up a Hammock: Air can circulate all around you, unlike on a bed or sofa.

38. Use Cooling Beauty Products: Some facial sprays and lotions have a cooling effect.

39. Install a Ceiling Fan: It can help circulate air and cool down a room.

40. Use a Car Sunshade: They can keep your car significantly cooler.

41. Keep Your Feet Cool: Dip them in a bucket of cold water for fast relief from the heat.

42. Plant Vines: Like trees, vines can also shade your home and keep it cooler.

43. Use a Portable Air Conditioner: If you can't install a full air conditioning system, a portable one can help cool a room.

44. Drink Coconut Water: It's refreshing and contains electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

45. Install Outdoor Misting System: For time spent outside, a misting system can keep you cool.

46. Spend Time by the Water: If you live near a body of water, spend some time there. It's often cooler by the water.

47. Create a DIY Air Conditioner: There are several online tutorials on how to make a DIY air conditioner using a fan and frozen water bottles.

48. Do Not Forget Your Pets: Pets need help staying cool, too. Make sure they have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.

49. Rest Frequently: If you must be active in the heat, take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate.

50. Listen to Your Body: If you start feeling faint or ill, get to a cool place and hydrate immediately.