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DCL
As someone who's spent one too many days in NYC's sweltering concrete jungle summers, praying to the gods for a cross-breeze through my apartment's windows doesn't always cut it. Even when I've done the good greenie thing and have piously renounced energy-zapping AC—turning on a fan only on the most unbearably hot days.
Trust me when I say I've learned to get creative when it comes to staying cool—and alive—during the stickiest, sweatiest, most sizzling summer months.
Here are seven tricks of the trade to keep you—and the planet—cool and collected.
1. Drown in Juicy Summer Fruits
Can anything be more refreshing than a ripe slice of melon? Or a juicy plum or peach? The reason why fruit becomes so tantalizing on our taste buds during the dog days of summer is because our body screams for high moisture content foods. Even Ayurvedic medicine suggests snacking on skin-hydrating and body-purifying juicy fruits like berries, grapes, oranges, pears, and pineapple and sipping on fruit juices, mango lassis, and lemon tea during the summer months. Try to keep your fruit selection local however, to reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Lather Up in a Cold Shower
When it's time to bathe, turn your shower dial to cold. It's summer! You can handle the cool blast of water and you'll save the planet some energy in the process. Even more, you'll pocket some beauty benefits including younger, more radiant looking skin and hair. The reason? Cold water stimulates circulation and closes pores.
3. Dress Breezy in Organic Cotton
Summer's a great excuse to say goodbye to synthetic-fabric duds that trap in heat and sometimes even offending odors. (Think polyester shirt armpit stains.) The Cubans must be onto something with their light-as-a-feather guayabera shirts as must be girlie girls with their summer dresses. Breathable cotton fabric is key to warm-weather comfort. Eco-bonus points if you choose organic cotton or ethically made pieces.
4. Breathe Better with Sitali Pranayama
You don't need to be an accomplished yogin to reap some of yoga's body-cooling benefits. Engage the Sitali breath to soothe and cool down your spine, rejuvenate and detoxify. Simply sit in a comfortable, meditative posture with your spine erect. Curl your tongue like a straw and let it stick out beyond your lips. Inhale into your curled tongue and exhale through the nose. Continue this for five minutes, giving yourself a total of three, five-minute breathing sessions.
5. Smear on Some Aloe Vera
Whether you grow aloe at home or dip into an organic, store-bought gel, smooth its all-natural goodness over the skin post-shower or post-sun for a delicious skin-tingling experience. Similar to menthol, aloe vera has a cooling effect once it's spread on. For an even chillier experience, store your aloe gel or juice in the fridge before application.
6. 'Eat to Sweat'
OK, it might be a different approach to the aforementioned juicy fruits suggestion but Latin America, India and Thailand might be onto something eating spicy, hot foods even in their spicy hot, year-round climates. According to scientists, spicy foods don't actually raise your body temperature but will help you sweat thanks to capsaicin, a chemical found in hot peppers. Sweating isn't always a bad thing since ones it begins to dry up, you'll feel cooled off. And any excuse to indulge in a delicious spicy, vegetarian Indian dinner (as pictured above), is good enough reason for me.
7. Hack Off Your Hair
It seems insignificant, but a thick, long mane can actually be a culprit in dragging you down during the dog days. Getting a simple haircut is quick way to feel light and breezy again. Skip the blow-dry to stay even cooler and reduce energy and pocket-book costs. Ask for a low-maintenance style to you can spend less money, and spend more time working on your tan.
