It’s hotter than Satan’s house cat outside.
Whether you’re working from home or working in an office – or, even worse, working outside in this mess – you’re feeling the heat. Memphis is under a heat advisory and will likely continue to be throughout the week.
Heatwaves are dangerous; if you spend time outdoors (or even if you are indoors without air conditioning), you’re at risk for heat strokes and heat exhaustion. It’s important to stay indoors, hydrate, wear sunscreen and wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. If you don’t have AC at home, visit a library or mall, or a local cooling center (click here for information on Memphis’ cooling center) to beat the heat.
We’re all looking for ways to cool down that don’t involve cranking the AC or turning on more fans – we’ve gotta keep an eye on the electricity bill, right?
Here are our suggestions for creative ways to cool down this summer!
- Gotta have your daily cup of joe? Try iced coffee. Freeze coffee in an ice cube tray and use that as your ice, so your coffee won’t get watered down.
- Freeze your favorite fruits! Frozen grapes and berries make a yummy, refreshing snack. Need more sugar? Freeze your favorite snack (if it’s freezeable!), like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or frosted donuts.
- Make banana popsicles! Cut your bananas in half and insert a popsicle stick in the bottom. Dip in chocolate (dark or milk – your choice!) and top with your favorite toppings, like coconut, nuts or sprinkles. Freeze them for a few hours and you’ll have a delicious, cold snack.
- Your home heats up significantly when you use your oven. Use a slow cooker, air fryer or pressure cooker to make your meals instead.
- While we’re on the topic of food: Eat small meals. Big meals add heat to your body – and that goes double if you’re eating piping hot food. And make meals that can be served cold, like salads, wraps and gazpacho.
- Wanna run your fan? Put frozen water bottles or a bowl of ice in front of the fan – it’ll cool you off! You can also use a spray bottle to mist yourself while you use the fan.
- Speaking of frozen water bottles – sleep with them! Put the bottles in a pillowcase or towel and enjoy a cool night’s sleep.
- Alternatively, did you know that you can freeze your bedsheets? Put your top sheet in the freezer a few hours before bedtime, and take it out once you’re ready to snooze. Also, put away your heavy quilts or duvets – those are best used in winter months anyway.
- Take a cool shower.
- Enjoy a refreshing ice foot bath. Dip your toes into cold water with ice, and you’ll cool off quickly.
- Placing a wet dish towel or paper towel on your forehead, back of your neck or pulse points is a great way to cool down.
- Put lotions or moisturizers in the fridge so they’ll be nice and chilly when you apply them.
- Unplug your electronics if you aren’t using them. You’d be surprised at how much heat these items give off.
- Strategize your outdoor plans. If at all possible, stay inside midday, when it’s the hottest. Go out only in the morning or evening.
- Close your blinds and curtains! It’s amazing how much heat flows through the home through windows.
Stay cool, Memphis!
