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Whew, it’s hot. So how do you deal with extreme heat? Here’s a list of tips compiled from numerous sources:

Slow down. When you are outside or in a place that is not air conditioned, face reality, move slowly and put your brain in low gear.

Always be hydrating. Drink ice water, cold juice, non-caffeinated ice tea. Have it with you at all times.

Stay ahead of your thirst. Related to the above tip, don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink up, force yourself to drink and drink and drink.

Sorry, no caffeine, no alcohol. In case number 3 got you excited, a cold beer might be refreshing but it will suck the moisture out of your interior. Same with caffeinated drinks.

Shut out the sunlight. Even if the place is air conditioned, shut the blinds or curtains. Sunlight equals heat.

Wear loose fitting clothes. Inside wear shorts, baggy T-Shirt, flip-flops. When you are outside wear loose, long-sleeved clothes (shirts, pants, skirts) of light material. Keeping the sun off your skin provides more surface area for sweating, and so is actually cooler. Wear a cap or straw hat.

Change your schedule. Get up at 5 a.m., go for a walk while it still bearable. Get your work done early so you can crawl around the rest of the day.

Crank up the fans. If you don’t have air conditioning and even if you do, promote air circulation throughout with fans. Start them up early in the day before it gets hot.

Turn off the lights. Light bulbs emit heat so use your lights as little as possible. It’s a good idea to switch your bulbs to eco-friendly ones, such as fluorescent or LED bulbs because they emit lower levels of energy and thus, heat.

Minimise the use of heat producing appliances. If you have to use the dishwasher, washing machine or iron, if possible, use them at night or early in the morning.

Don’t go anywhere. Except for places you have to go, avoid travel unless it is at night or early in the morning when it is much cooler.

No cooking. Fix meals that don’t require cooking. You’ll only heat up the kitchen and yourself.

Eat high water content foods. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cantaloup, grapes, cucumber, and tomatoes, contain 90 percent or higher water content by weight. Eating them in abundance will keep you hydrated.

Seek refuge. If you need relief from your hot house, go to an air-conditioned library, movie theatre, or if your city has one, a designated cooling centre.

Utilize the cooling power of water. If you are feel like your body is getting too hot, cool it down by taking a long, cool shower or bath. Soak your feet in a bucket or pan of ice water. Utilize towels and bandannas soaked in cold water. Apply an ice pack to various parts of your body.

Use a hand fan. Take one with you when you go outside, it can be a lifesaver on a hot kombi.

Use a water-filled spray bottle. Even better than a fan is a spray bottle with water that you have placed in a refrigerator until it is ice cold (nearly frozen is best). When you are outside, mist yourself with refreshing sprites of chilled water.

Create a “rice-sock” ice pack. Grab a an old sock, stuff it full of rice and put it into the freezer for a few hours. Stay cool at night by placing it under the covers with you. Rice retains the cold for long periods of time.

Keep your car cool. If possible park in the shade or a garage, use a sunshade or window visor, dash cover or at least put a towel over the steering wheel. If you can find one, buy a solar powered fan. Paired with cracked windows, a solar-powered fan can make your car feel downright pleasant during even the hottest summer days. — unfrazzledcare.com