How to Have a Cool Summer

 

 

 

Truth be told, I really don’t like the summer months. More than the cycling and recycling of the oppressive Bermuda Highs, with the hot, humid stuff that passes for air (and the resultant frizzies and frumpies), July and August tend to sap my energy. I don’t like the feeling of stepping out of a cool shower and being unable to get dry; I don’t get enough sleep, because the days of relentless sun are just too long. My appetite is off, I don’t feel like cooking anyway - and did I mention the frizzies?

 

I rarely have a day off, let alone time for the beach. A vacation? Not happening. So I’ve assembled a few ways to find at least a little relief, and wanted to share them with those of you who agree: The Dog Days of Summer are for the birds. (So to speak.)

 

1. Get hooked on lemon water. Pour a tall glass of purified water, and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into it - real lemon, not the processed stuff. Cools you instantly, costs a lot less than a (bad for you) sugary soft drink, and gives you a shot of Vitamin C. Plus, while I can’t prove it, lemon water seems to do something for my skin and my metabolism: I see and feel the effects when I go without it for a few days.

 

2. Turn in at the same time every night; then, get up at the same time every morning. It helps keep your body less confused.

 

3. Wash your bedding in lavender-scented detergent, just because it’s a nice thing to do for yourself.

 

4. Eat a few small meals during the day, and avoid the large ones. Especially late at night. I don’t know about you, but I have trouble with my blood sugar in the wilting-hot weather.

 

5. Save your outdoor activities and errands for after 7:30 PM. 

 

6. Reward yourself with fresh strawberries every time you… Well, every time you think of rewarding yourself. 

 

7. Take yourself out for an air-conditioned lunch, while you rediscover the pleasures of reading a great book. 

 

8. Buy a few jumbo-sized, ultra-lightweight men’s T-shirts, and live in those when you’re home.

 

9. When your day was just too long and too busy, spend a half-hour massaging your feet with a cold washcloth. Trust me on that one.

 

10. To tame those frizzies… Well, on that one, I’ve got nothing. 

 

Other than that, I guess we can only wait for the return of the cool, crisp autumn days. Feel free to send me your own hot weather coping strategies - especially if you have a solution to Number 10. 

 

‘Til next time,

 

Jenna

 

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Jenna Brooks is a coach, a columnist, and the author of the critically-acclaimed novel, October Snow. She welcomes your comments at http://jennabrooks.weebly.com