Beat the Heat

We all know the classic cures for the summer heat, go swimming, take cold showers, wear loose fitting clothing, but there are so many ways to beat the heat this summer, especially when you think outside the box. Check out the suggestions I have gathered below and as always, feel free to add your own tips and tricks, or leave feedback for these ones in the comments below!

Pulse Points – By cooling your seven pulse points, you should be able to lower the temperature of your blood and, in turn, cool your body faster. The seven pulse points are as follows: Neck, Wrists, Behind the Knees, Groin, Inside the Elbows, Feet, and Abdomen. There are a lot of ways that you can do this, but for sake of time, I have just a few easy ones here. Place an ice pack, cool rag, or cold compress on any of the above-mentioned pulse points for nearly instant relief. If you like to utilize essential oils, this is the perfect opportunity to use them to cool off, and keep from smelling like sweat at the same time! Generalized disclaimer and warning about essential oils: Do your research and consult a physician before using anything internally or externally (both on oils themselves as well as the individual company). Do a test patch if you are not sure about your body’s reaction to a certain oil, and remember to use a carrier oil to dilute your oils if you have sensitive skin or are using certain oils. Always do your own research. That being said, a drop or two of lavender, peppermint, or other cooling oils in a carrier oil will provide a cooling sensation along with the added bonus of smelling good.

Avoid Excess Energy Use – We have all heard the warnings against using the oven and dishwasher on hot summer days. But did you know that those are not the only appliances that are making your home hotter in the summer? Anything that is plugged in is using some amount of energy, which is not only putting off heat into your house, but also raising your electric bill. Unplug and or turn off anything you are not using to reduce your indoor temperature without paying more for your electric. Just a few of these things are your television, gaming systems, laptops or computers, excess lights, as well as microwaves and other appliances.

STAY HYDRATED – I had to put this one in here even though this may seem like an obvious one. It is important to remember to stay hydrated especially in the summer. Being dehydrated can cause anything from dizziness and dry mouth to, in extreme cases, rapid heart-beat and breathing, sleeplessness, sunken eyes and more. If drinking water is something that tends to slip your mind, or even just switch up the monotony on plain water, you can add in any number of extras to add flavor as well as health benefit to something you already have to do. If this is something you are interested in, try searching Pinterest or other social media platforms for recipes. There are a ton of them out there that offer added benefits such as brighter skin, bloat reduction, and more. If you would just rather keep it simple, start by getting a reusable water bottle and adding lemon, cucumber, or fresh fruit, and then leaving it to infuse overnight.

Focus on Your Feet – Not only are your feet pulse points, but they are also some of the largest pores on your body. Your feet are where body heat escapes from the most quickly. Take advantage of this by cooling off your feet in order to cool the rest of your body more quickly. Try a relaxing cool foot soak, Ice bath, or a walk on the cool grass in the shade. You could even put your socks in a plastic bag the freezer for a few hours to help you beat the heat this summer.

Make a cooling mist – A great way to beat the heat this summer is to make a cooling mist. Weather you are looking for a cooling facial mist that also does your skin a few favors, an icy foot spray for after a long day of work, a spray to sooth your sunburned shoulders, or basically air conditioning in a bottle, I have the recipe for you.

Facial Mist –
- 4tsp Green Tea
- 1 Cup Lavender Flowers
- 1oz Peppermint Leaves
- 2tsp Aloe Vera Gel
- 2 Cups Distilled Water
- 1 Glass Spray Bottle
- 2 Bowls
- Cheesecloth

Add green tea, peppermint leaves, lavender and lavender flowers to the first bowl and pour in the water.
Steep 15-20 minutes.
Strain the tea mixture through the cheesecloth into the second bowl.
Add the Aloe Vera gel and mix together.
Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and store in a cool, dry place.
Good for about a week. Shake before use.

Foot Cooling Spray –
- ¼ Cup Aloe Vera Gel
- ¼ Cup Witch Hazel
- 2-3 Drops of Peppermint Oil
- 1 Glass Spray Bottle
- (Optional) Tea tree oil (for antibacterial properties) or eucalyptus oil (for anti-inflammatory properties.

Combine ingredients and put into glass spray bottle.
Refrigerate for added coolness. Shake before use.

Sunburn Cooling Spray –
- 2oz Pure Aloe
- 2oz Witch Hazel
- 1tsp Vitamin E Oil
- 10-12 Drops Lavender Oil
- 10-12 Drops Peppermint Oil
- 5-10 Drops Rosemary Oil