Gosh It's Hot! Simple Ways to Beat the Heat

Summer is fast approaching and the heat is rising. Try these simple tips to help you cool down when the weather proves too scorching for you!

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Popcorn cold packs

A few summers ago, my family decided to throw a graduation party for me in August. Talk about hot! We wanted our guests not to pass out upon arrival because of the intense heat of that PA summer day, so we decided to make cold packs for everyone. We thought of peas, but they get expensive, and gel can get mushy and messy. Much to our joy, however, we stumbled across the idea of using popcorn kernels to fill our packs. Popcorn kernels don't get messy and they conform to your body like peas, but are much more affordable. We made 4 inch by 5 inch pouches out of old fabric and then filled them with the kernels and sewed them shut. If you are not a sewer or just don't have the time, fill a freezer bag with kernels (make sure it is sealed tightly, so you don't have kernels all over your freezer) and pop it in the freezer until the kernels are good and cold. These will last for a while because the kernels do not spoil like your bag of peas might. We still have our popcorn kernel packs from two years ago and they are holding up nicely. Also, these packs will not only help you cool down but they are also wonderful to use for minor aches, pains, and swelling.

Put a bottle down your shirt

No really, put a bottle down your shirt! Your sternum, or breastbone, spans the entirety of your upper chest and is a great conductor of hot and cold. When you're hot, put an ice pack or cold bottle against your sternum and you will feel yourself cooling off. A bit of instant gratification, your upper chest will cool off quickly, thus it will help your body and brain focus more on the cooling sensation than the heat you were experiencing beforehand.

Meditate

While not everyone appreciates meditation the same way, for our purposes here, we aren't necessarily talking about sitting cross legged and chanting mantras. However, if that is how you choose to meditate, do it! By meditate, I mean, "be still". The lack of movement when sitting still can help decrease your body temperature. While you are still, try imagining yourself somewhere cold or simply try and clear your mind totally. Thinking cool thoughts or clearing your mind can realign your focus and help you center in on something other than the fact that it feels like the thermometer is going to hit the '1 million' degree mark any second!

Homemade Popsicles

A classic way to cool off, making your own popsicles is a fun and rewarding way to chill out. If you don't have any special contraptions to make popsicles, don't fret. If you have ice cube trays, tart molds, small cups, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and a freezer, you too, can create your own pops. Choose your favorite flavor of Koolaid, fruit juice, pudding, etc to add to your containers and freeze. Remember to put the toothpicks/sticks in when the cubes are about half frozen (slushy, yet firm enough for the toothpicks to stand up straight). Keep these icy treats on hand to enjoy anytime when you feel the heat rising! Here are some popsicle recipe suggestions to get you started.

Take charge of your days; using these simple tips will help you show the heat who's boss!

Sources:

• Axial Skeleton: Sternum, Get Body Smart Online.
• Popsicles Recipes, CDKitchen Online.