The country is currently going through a period of strong heat with temperatures that easily exceed 40°C in the shade and this is likely to last for a while. It is important to understand that we are not talking about summer heat in this case, but about heat wave, a heat wave abnormal and unbearable making the days an ordeal and the nights a torture.
To cope with this suffocating heat, not everyone has the luck or comfort of being equipped with air conditioning and some have to make do with what they have. Here are our tips and practical advice to help you better manage the heat without air conditioning :
1. Put your sheets and clothes in the fridge
Place your sheets or clothes in a plastic bag to avoid bad odors, then put them in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. You can do the same thing with your pillow if you have enough space in your refrigerator.
Once you take them out, you will be able to appreciate thepleasant feeling of freshness, which may not last very long, but will certainly help you relax and fall asleep faster at night.
2. Take refreshing showers
Every chance you get, take a good cold shower For lower your body temperature and rid it of bad odors as well as perspiration. No need to dry your hair, leave it wet to enjoy more freshness on the top of your head. And for those who have no hair or very short hair, know that it’s even better since the air is directly in contact with your skin.
3. Hydrate well before going to bed
It is important to hydrate throughout the day so that your body’s cooling system can function properly. Also think about drink a large glass of water before going to sleep. If you don’t take precautions, turning, moving and sweating in bed while you sleep you risk dehydration.
4. The Egyptian method
It’s an old technique used by the ancient Egyptians to cool off during very hot nights and which still remains as effective today. It simply consists of soak a large sheet or article of clothing in cold water then wring it out, leaving it slightly damp so you can enjoy its freshness after covering your body with it.
You can also soak your socks in water, wring them out and put them back to keep your feet cool and get to sleep more easily.
5. Close windows
Open your windows very early in the morning or late in the evening and at night to let fresh air circulate. During the day it is preferable to keep your windows completely closed, to fold your shutters and draw your curtains to prevent the sun from entering.
6. Exhaust hot air with a fan
If the heat becomes unbearable and the air unbreathable in your room, open your windows and orient your fan so that it blows outwards through one of the windows. In this way thehot air from the room will be evacuated outside and renewed by fresh air from other windows.
7. Eat light and fresh
Stay away from your stove or hob during periods of extreme heat. Instead, consume fresh, light and healthy dishes, such as salads, which will prevent you from generate even more heat in your home and in your body.
You can also take advantage of the good weather to have a little barbecue outside, enjoy good grilled meats, while preserving the freshness inside your home.
8. Hang a damp cloth on your window
You can refresh a room by hanging a damp sheet or towel at an open window. The air that passes through the towel will come out cooler and will allowquickly lower the room temperature.
9. Get closer to the ground
Hot air is lighter and rises upwards, so we recommend that you place your bed or mattress as close as possible to the ground to avoid heat. Likewise, if you live in a house with several floors, it is preferable to sleep on the ground floor or even in the basement.
10. Keep your feet cool
To cool off, place a towel and a basin of cold water in your room and immerse your feet in the basin as much as you want. The feet are particularly sensitive to temperature, they will transmit the feeling of freshness to your whole body.