10 hacks to keep your cool.
No matter how manyyears we live in Thailand it always seems to come as quite a shock when April and May months hit and we realise just how hot it can get here. Of course, staying at home and blasting the air conditioning is one way to lower your body temperature, but there are other ways to stay cool in the summer that won’t rack up the electricity bill.
Stay hydrated
Yes at the top of every list of hacks and even more importantly whilst we are discussing the summer months. You must remain hydrated because water is an important element in keeping the body cool. Don’t wait to feel thirsty you may already then be hydrated just make a habit of drinking water every day.
Put your feet in cold water.
As an extremity feet have slower blood circulation and can therefore be a critical component in regulating body temperature. If you dunk your feet in cold water or spray them from a hose. Once your feet are cold, the rest of your body will quickly follow, helping you feel cooler.
Turn your fan into an A.C.
This easy trick involves putting ice cubes in a bowl that you then place in front of a fan. Make sure to tilt the fan in such a way as to get air flowing directly onto the icy surface which will then cool the blowing air. You’ll feel the effect immediately.
Freeze your fruit.
Fruit can quickly spoil in Thailand especially during the summer months so it’s a good idea to freeze fruit for example sliced bananas, strawberries or blueberries. Frozen melon or frozen grapes will cool you down as you eat them. In fact, why not preprepare bags or containers of frozen fruit ready to make your smoothies try different combinations each day to ring the changes.
Don’t avoid the chillies
Perversely eating spicy food can be beneficial during the hottest months. Spicy food can enhance blood circulation acting on heat receptors on the skin to elicit sweating which helps to cool you down through evaporation. ……..if you find yourself sweating too much you may wish to read our article on page 12 on the subject of hyperhidrosis.
Change the lightbulbs
If you’re having trouble cooling your home at night incandescent lightbulbs might be part of the problem. In many countries, these lightbulbs have been phased out because they produce a lot of heat. Switching to energy-saving bulbs can not only save you money by lowering your energy costs, they can also help to keep your home a bit cooler at the same time.
Get a Dehumidifier
Another home cooling trick is to invest in a dehumidifier. It reduces the humidity helping you to breathe much more easily whilst also removing excess moisture from the air. This is especially helpful when you live in a humid climate as moist air can cause mould and dust mites to thrive which in turn can cause allergic reactions, especially for asthma sufferers.
Wrap a cold towel around your neck.
A fact known by many athletes is that just like your feet, the back of your neck is a very sensitive part of the body, especially when it comes to temperature. Place a towel in cool water and put it in the freezer for a few minutes then when it’s nice and cool, wrap it around your neck. This will help the rest of your body cool down.
Plant yourself some shade
Whether you have a large garden or just a balcony or terrace make sure to have some large potted plants around that you can move closer to your windows. These will absorb most of the heat around them to create a cooling effect.
Keep your AC units in tip-top shape
With air conditioning units it’s a good idea to clean or if necessary replace filters every 2-3 months. This will help your AC unit run more efficiently, more cleanly and more economically. If you are having your units serviced make sure that the condensers’ coils are examined, if these become bent out of shape they can block the airflow. If you’re looking to upgrade your air-conditioner, pick one with a high energy-star rating and do your research to ensure you choose the right type of air-conditioner for your home. Don’t forget it’s a good idea to get these measures put in place sooner rather than later. As temperatures rise and AC units break down you might find yourself unable to get yours seen to as quickly as you would like!