7 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat

When you live in the southeast, there is no escaping the heat and humidity of summer. What you can do is find a few moments of bliss here and there. That’s the only way you’ll beat it. So, what can you do to learn to love the scorching summers in the south? Here are a few ideas.

Makeshift Air Conditioner

Whether you’re sitting indoors without an air conditioner or out on the screened-in porch, a fan can help get air moving. By placing a bowl of ice in front of that fan, you create a makeshift air conditioner that brings a whole lot of comfort, even if for a short time.

Air Dry the Dishes

If you use a dishwasher, the best thing you can do in summer is to stop the cycle just before the heated dryer kicks on. Open the door and let the summer air dry those dishes instead. That will cool things down in the kitchen by several degrees.

Hang Out the Wash

The clothes dryer adds a lot of heat to your home in summer, too. If you’re not expecting rain any time soon, drag those freshly laundered sheets and shirts to the clothesline. Not only will they smell like sunshine, but you’ll also spare your family the forty minutes or so of forced heat inside the house.

Eat Spicy Food

Did you know spicy foods can bring brief relief? It’s true. Peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that makes us perspire. And when we perspire, it evaporates. That evaporation is when we feel relief from the heat. So pile on the peppers!

Avoid Caffeine

Did you know your body temperature goes up when you’re dehydrated? That’s why you should avoid alcohol and caffeine during the summer and choose water, instead. Of course, if you’re willing to drink enough water to make up for the coffee and beer, then there’s nothing wrong with that.

Change Your Light Bulbs

Standard light bulbs produce more heat than the newer compact florescent bulbs. In fact, if you make the switch, you’ll enjoy 70% less heat. That might not seem like a big deal until you realize your kids have left every light in the house on…again.

Read a Book

In a fun psychological twist, reading about cold climates can take your mind off the hot weather. Stretch out in a hammock with a glass of iced tea and read all about life in icy locations.

You’ve probably never considered some of these before. This summer, you can put them all to the test. Let us know which ones work! If you have other tips, join us on our Facebook page and let us know there.