How to survive the summer

Summer has been a drag so far as the heat waves keep sweeping over our tropical motherland. It might give you a headache realising that we are only halfway through summer. However, summer can actually be pleasant, especially once you figure out how to make the best of it. So here are a few pointers to make your summer easier. 

USE SUNSCREEN
Unless you want a nasty tan, which can be the root of various skin problems, do not leave the house without sunscreen. Sunscreens protect you from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays either by scattering the light and reflecting it away from your body, or by absorbing the UV rays before they reach your skin. Pick a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. Since chances are that you will be sweating a lot during the summer, it's better to pick a sunscreen that is water-resistant.  Before going out, apply a generous amount onto the exposed areas of the skin and always keep it with you so that you can reapply it whenever you need to. Take special care to see if you are allergic to the sunscreen, in which case you should stop using the brand immediately and go see a doctor. 

WEAR COTTON 
Natural fabrics such as cotton are more comfortable during the summer as they are lightweight and allow better air circulation. This helps in absorbing and removing body moisture caused by sweat, thus keeping the body cooler. Moreover, cotton reduces the severity of any allergic reaction and thus, is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Opt for lighter coloured clothing so that more of the sun's rays are reflected and you feel cooler. 

CARRY AN UMBRELLA 
Umbrellas are an excellent shade from the sun if you have to walk during a hot summer afternoon.  Also, having an umbrella will keep you prepared for any sudden spells of rain. You can pick them in many different sizes and colours. Go for a small umbrella, if you like travelling light. However, these aren't very strong and so they may not be long-lasting. Larger, stronger umbrellas are obviously more durable, but aren't as portable. 

STAY HYDRATED 
Carry a water bottle wherever you go. If you find drinking water a bit boring, add a bit of Foster Clark's or Tang to it. These are available in various flavours in departmental stores and you can switch every few days to try out different flavours. Also, take advantage of the delicious summer fruits around. Nothing will be as refreshing as a cold glass of homemade mango or watermelon juice!

USE AN ICE PACK 
Put an ice pack on the pulse points of your body, where the blood vessels are close to the skin, for a few seconds. This will have an instant cooling effect and will make you feel more relaxed.  Some of the pulse points include the insides of your wrists, on your neck, on the insides of your ankles and near your temples. This trick is especially helpful for those insanely hot days with extreme load shedding, when even your generator or IPS decides to betray you.  

HAVE A COOKING SCHEDULE
Since cooking will generate extra heat in the kitchen, thus heating up the whole house, it is better not to cook all throughout the day. It may be a bit difficult for those who do a lot of cooking, but if possible, try to get into a habit of cooking in batches so that you don't heat up your house all throughout the day. Open all the windows after you are done cooking to allow the heat to escape outside faster.

REPLACE THE LIGHTS
Switch to LED lights throughout your house as incandescent bulbs generate a lot more heat, thus making the rooms hotter. Moreover, if you use LED lights, you will conserve more energy and your electricity bills will be lower. So, in a way, you are actually helping both yourself and the environment! 

STAY INSIDE 
Even though this sounds slightly bizarre, don't bother going out unless you really have to. If you get a break, instead of going out to eat, spend some quality time at home. Enjoying the lazy summer vibe is a must for everyone at least for one day! So, keep a day aside when you can put on an old forgotten tune that you once listened to for hours on repeat, and sit back to enjoy your favourite novel. Or you could just get some popcorn and watch a movie. You'll be surprised how miraculously recharged you'll feel for the upcoming days afterwards.  

By Adiba Mahbub Proma