The country is currently going through a period of strong heat with temperatures easily exceeding 40°C in the shade and this may last for a long time. It is important to understand that we are not talking about a summer heat in this case, but of heat wavea heatwave abnormal and unbearable, making the days an ordeal and the nights a torment.
To cope with this suffocating heat, not everyone is lucky enough and comfortable enough to be 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 heat without air conditioning :
1. Put your sheets and clothes in the fridge
Put your sheets or clothes in a plastic bag to avoid bad odors, then put them in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. You can do the same thing with your pillow if you have enough room in your refrigerator.
Once you get them out, you can enjoy thepleasant sensation of freshnesswhich may not last very long, but will certainly help you to relax and fall asleep faster at night.
2. Take refreshing showers
Whenever you have the opportunity, take a good cold shower for lower your body temperature and get rid of bad odors and perspiration. No need to dry your hairleave them wet to enjoy more freshness on the top of your head. And for those who have no hair or very short hair, it is even better because the air is directly in contact with your skin.
3. Hydrate well before going to bed
It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day so that your body's cooling system can function properly. Also remember to drink a large glass of water before going to sleep. If you don't take precautions, by rolling over, moving around and sweating in bed while you sleep you risk dehydration.
4. The Egyptian method
This is an old technique used by the ancient Egyptians to cool down during very hot nights and which is still as effective today. It simply consists in soak a large sheet or garment in cold water then wring it out, leaving it slightly damp so that you can enjoy its freshness after covering your body with it.
You can also soak your socks in waterand put them back on the shelf for keep your feet cool and get to sleep more easily.
5. Close the windows
Open your windows early in the morning or late in the evening and night to let fresh air circulate. During the day it is better to keep your windows completely closedto fold up your shutters and draw your curtains to to keep the sun out.
6. Evacuate the hot air with a fan
If the heat becomes unbearable and the air in your room unbreathable, open your windows and orient your fan so that it blows outwards through one of the windows. In this way thewarm air from the room will be evacuated outside and renewed by fresh air coming from the other windows.
7. Eat light and fresh
Stay away from your stove or hot plate during hot weather. Instead, use fresh, light and healthy dishes, such as salads, that will prevent you from generate even more heat in your home and in your body.
You can also take advantage of the nice weather to have a small barbecue outside, enjoy good grilled food, while preserving the coolness inside your house.
8. Hanging a wet cloth in the window
You can refresh a room by suspending a wet sheet or towel at an open window. The air that passes through the towel will come out fresher and allow forquickly lower the temperature of the room.
9. Getting closer to the ground
Warm air is lighter and rises to the top, so we recommend that you place your bed or mattress as close to the ground as possible to avoid the heat. Also, if you live in a multi-story home, it is best to sleep on the first floor or in the basement.
10. Keeping feet cool
To cool off, place a towel and a basin of cold water in your room and dip your feet in the basin as much as you like. The feet are particularly sensitive to temperature, they will transmit the fresh feeling to your entire body.
