Sarah Guerrero
Sarah Guerrero is a freelance writer and contributor to Slow North. She has a degree in international business from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and writes about sustainable business practices and ethical living.
Creative (+ Natural) Ways to Cool Off
I love summer for the sunshine and the longer days, but I don’t cope well with the heat. If that’s you, too, here are some natural, simple tips to help you cool off and thrive in the midst of climbing summer temps!
1. Stay hydrated
Boring, but oh-so-important. Chugging water when you’re hot isn’t just a nice thing to do; it can help you replenish vital nutrients you’ve lost through sweat and even avoid heatstroke. It will also help you feel cooler!
Luckily, there are a thousand ways to up your H2O intake that are anything but boring! Look to your favorite sparkling water brands or try electrolyte powders or tablets. Mix of some tasty almond milk or coconut water with lots of ice (and maybe some mint or frozen blueberries as a garnish).
Or, (my favorite) try a delicious summer smoothie or snack on seasonal produce. Smoothies and seasonal summer produce are filled with water and vitamins (and, in the case of a smoothie, can double as a meal!).
Photo by quokkabottles
2. Don’t cook
Ain’t nobody got time for a stove or oven when it’s hot! Here are some ideas for meals and snacks that don’t require warming up your whole kitchen:
- This drool-worthy chopped kale salad with salami and sourdough croutons
- A French-inspired meal with creamy goat cheese, a crunchy baguette, and a tossed salad
- A no-cook (really!), old-fashioned, and absolutely drool-worthy Strawberry Oreo Icebox Cake
- A mini-charcuterie board for one (or two) with salami, pickles, and olives
3. Use a cold therapy pack
This eye mask + neck wrap combination is made with a sumptuous linen/cotton blend and 100% all-natural lentils, so that you can store it in your freezer until you’re ready.
Then, drape the neck wrap around your neck and/or the eye mask over your face for a delightfully chilling experience!
Pro tip: you can also spritz them with your favorite cooling linen spray before using them (see #5).
4. Take a bath
I know, this sounds weird, but stay with me. A lukewarm or slightly warm bath or shower can work wonders if you’re feeling overheated AND feel incredibly cooling and refreshing when you get out.
While you’re there, add some lovely bath salts to your water--the peppermint will have a cooling, energizing effect.
5. Use a citrus or mint linen spray
Citrus and mint essential oils are cooling, so using them as linen sprays for your room or your linens (or, ahem, yourself) is extremely refreshing. You can make your own, or try this citrusy hello sunshine spray or this lavender + mint combination.
6. Refrigerate or freeze your sheets
Summer sleep can be difficult, and the rising heat doesn’t help. If you’re struggling to fall asleep because you’re hot, try refrigerating or freezing your sheets or pillowcase for a few hours before bed!
Looking for more tips to stay in tune with the seasons? Take a look at our seasonal living guide!
