2 Hot 2 Handle?

I don’t know about you guys, but I am DYING in this heat!!! This past weekend it was a record high of 104 degrees in Manhattan. Talk about Heat Island Effect*!!!! While    sitting in AC seems like the ONLY way to stay cool, that is not necessarily the case. I did some research on other options to lose the heat and I found some interesting tips. Simple things anyone can do to stay a little more comfortable. Here is the List:

Wear Lightweight cotton and linen. this way your not in heavy cloths. plus its summer, linens “hot” (not by degrees) in the summer. Go out and grab yourself a cute linen dress or a seersucker button up. Stay trendy and fresh! Opt for Ralph Laurens Classic Seersucker Sport shirt or J. Crews Tailored linen Patrice Dress.

Run cold water over your wrist for one minute every hour. This really does cool you down. Its simple, its quick and IT WORKS!! While your at it, fill up a cup for drinking. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

Eat numerous little meals. (Also a weight loss trick) Big meals can make you feel hot. Choose to have multiple smaller meals throughout the day. Don’t starve yourself though.

Make those little meals spicy. That’s right you heard me. Spicy foods make you sweat without raising body temperature. Once your skin is damp you feel cooler. Some of the hottest places in the world have the spiciest food. Coincidence? I think not.

Stay cool under the covers. For me, it is extremely difficult to sleep in this kind of heat. A  suggested trick is to stick your sheets in the freezer. I know it sounds odd. But it works. An hour before you head to bed pop those Portico GOTS* Certified Organic Cotton Sheets ;)  in the freezer, you will be amazed by the difference it makes.  Try using Cotton pillowcases, These are cool and absorbent. Cooling your head cools your entire body!!

Of course, if you have AC you are most likely going to be using it. But consider these options to reduce your dependence on the energy guzzler and acknowledge your responsibility to the environment.

*GOTS: Global Organic Textiles Standards

*Heat Island Effect (EPA definition): The term “heat island” describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas.