It’s officially summer and many of us have already been experiencing the three H’s – hazy, hot, and humid weather. 😉

For this installment of Lucky Seven, I have 7 tips for keeping your cool when you’re feeling hot.

1. Bring a “Cold” Water Bottle to Bed!
Grab a hot water bottle, but fill it with ice water! Use it to cool your feet, your wrists, and the back of your knees. If you don’t want to share with your bed mate – bring an extra bottle.

2. Wear Natural Fabrics!
Each year, I’m always amazed to see the number of summer fashions made with synthetic materials. Whew! On a hot day, anything nylon or polyester will cling to you like a stubborn price sticker! Cotton and linen are so much more comfortable and will allow your skin to breathe.

3. Invest in a good window fan – or two!
Choose those that have both intake and exhaust settings. Place them in windows on opposite sides of the house. As soon as the sun goes down, run both fans on exhaust for a short time. Then, turn one to “intake” and leave the other at “exhaust”. You’ll begin to feel the cooler air enter your home through one window, as the heat of the day exits through the other.

4. Keep hydrated!
Your body needs to replenish the fluids you lose while sweating. On very warm days, by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated – so enjoy a cool glass of water – frequently.

5. Stay away from the oven!
If at all possible, avoid adding heat to the kitchen. Try not to cook during the hottest part of the day. Be creative with cold supper recipes, or batch-cook in the early morning hours to stockpile future meals that will need just a brief warm-up.

6. Strip the bed!
Put away the blankets, comforters, and even the bedspread during a heat wave. A pretty cotton sheet set looks cooler to the eye and certainly will feel cooler on your skin during a scorching summer night.

7. Make a Root Beer Float!
Or whatever cold treat you love. 😀
If it’s a blistering summer day, treat yourself!!! You can go back to healthful eating tomorrow!

Ok, now. Tell the truth!

Don’t you feel cooler already? 😀

Hugs,