There are few things worse than trying to sleep when you’re hot or trying to relax on the weekend in a sticky room. But how can you combat that discomfort if you don’t have proper air conditioning? Look no further! Here are our top ten tips for staying cool if you don’t have air conditioning.
1. Visit a local pool or a park with a “splash pad”
Can’t get in your own pool to stay cool? Research public pools in your local area or parks with a splash pad/water feature. They’re great for adults and kids alike!
2. Make your own ‘slip and slide’
Don’t go running to the closest Target for a Slip ‘N Slide(r)! With a spare tarp or large piece of plastic, sandbags, a water hose and some baby shampoo you can easily make your own for a fraction of the price. Set it up in your backyard or a public park to share the fun with others!
Pro tip: Because the runoff will be going right into the ground, try and find a baby shampoo that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and is environmentally friendly.
3. Put your feet in an icy bath
Your feet and ankles have pulse points that make them especially susceptible to heat. Combat that by preparing a cold water or ice water bath to dunk them in every so often. Getting too hot during the night time? Leave the bucket and a towel near your bed so you can quickly get some relief in the middle of the night.
4. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing in light colors
If you have to be outside in the heat, skip the yoga pants! Dark-colored, skin-tight synthetic fabrics will cause you to feel much warmer because they aren’t breathable and they absorb more heat. Switch to loose-fitting natural fibers in light colors to try and combat the warm temperatures.
5. Drink plenty of cold water
The first step in feeling cooler? Ingesting something cool! Drinking plenty of cold water will keep your body temperature low while also keeping you hydrated, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
6. “Freeze” your sheets or clothing
No, we don’t mean tossing your wet clothes in the freezer instead of the dryer! Fold your sheets or clothes into a pile that can fit in a plastic bag. Then, stick them in the freezer for as long as you can. When you’re ready to get dressed or to turn in for the night, remove your “frozen” items! They won’t be as cool as if you had soaked them first, but you won’t have to worry about them defrosting and dripping on you all day or night. Pro tip: Put a few drops of essential oils in the bag along with your items for a refreshing smell when you open them up!
7. Use a menthol body lotion
Body lotion that is formulated with menthol is usually intended for dry or itchy skin, but it’s cooling properties can give you a soothing feeling of coolness while also hydrating your dry skin!
8. Keep your lights off and your drapes closed
This one might seem like a no brainer, but don’t forget to keep the drapes and windows shut to keep the warm air from getting in, to begin with. If it does get inside, use fans or other ventilation systems to give it somewhere else to go. Point fans out your windows and doors so they push the hot air out, and make sure your ceiling fans run counterclockwise, that way they will be pulling the hot air up instead of down onto you.
9. Make a DIY cold compress
There are endless items you can use to make your own plastic bag cool compress (ice pack) ranging from dish soap to a watery sponge. Try out several to see which works best for you, and then have plenty on hand the next time warm weather is in the forecast.
10. Use a peppermint scrub in the shower
We all think a cold shower sounds great until we’re actually in one, right? Fortunately, you can easily emulate that cooling sensation by using a peppermint infused body scrub or soap. The refreshing smell and feel of the herb will last much longer than just your shower!
We’ve all been there at one point or another. A hotel room in the heat of the summer without air conditioning, a bed that feels like the sheets are covering an oven, or windows that seem to magnify the temperature outdoors. For all you out there suffering in the heat, consider trying one or more of these tips for cooling yourself down without using air conditioning. Do you have any more tips for your warm-weather friends for how you stay cool? Share them in the comments below!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
These are all great ideas….my air conditioner is broken and waiting for parts. Will try some of these. Thanks!