Making it my business: 8 tips for beating the ungodly and horrible heat
Actually, it’s the heat AND the humidity.
You may have noticed that Richmond has forgotten it is located in a temperate climate and instead thinks it’s fixed IN THE CENTER OF THE SUN. Seriously, we’ve had almost an entire week of 100 degree weather. Ha, and I’m telling you that like you weren’t here suffocating along with me.
Even though it’s supposed to be cooler today (a chilly 88 degrees, kids!) we all know it’s just a matter of time before Richmond decides to show off again. So, here are 8 easy ways to beat the heat…
1. Don’t be a hero.
It’s hot. Everyone knows it. Now is not the time to see who can win the “I didn’t turn my air conditioner on until the last week in August!” game. We are all sticky and crabby and could use a constant flow of cool air. Flip the switch, buddy.
2. Give your oven a break.
When it’s 100+ *outside*, the last thing you need is a big old box of 450 degrees *inside.* Give the complicated dinners a rest until it cools off and opt for light and easy stuff like salads and cold sandwiches.
3. Turn off your computer when you leave the house.
A lot of us have trouble doing it, but seriously, have you ever touched a computer that’s been running all day? It’s like molten lava. Trust me, leave it off and your bedroom or office will be significantly cooler when you get home from work at the end of the day.
4. Go to the movies.
I worked in a movie theater for two summers, decked out in a long sleeve shirt, black Dickies, and a vest, and not once did I sweat while in that building. Those places pump the AC like none other. Take advantage of it. It’s almost worth the $9 just to get in the door.
5. Loose the booze.
I know that everyone loves a nice, cold beer when it’s sweltering out. But, you might not know that alcohol is a diuretic. And the last thing you want to do when you’re sweating buckets is to put something in your body that worsens dehydration. And ok, I know this is Richmond and you all *need* your PBR, so if you can’t loose the booze, at least lay off the caffeine because it does the same thing.
6. Don’t shower until after you’ve stopped sweating.
Taking a steamy shower after sweating buckets is just going to keep your core temperature at an uncomfortable level. Drink some water, splash some cold water on your face, and wait until you feel a bit more yourself before walking into a small area filled with rushing hot water and steam.
7. Forget the ice, go with rice.
Sometimes the only thing that will help is something cool against your skin. Ice is messy. Instead, fill a cotton sock with rice, tie it shut, and let it sit in the freezer for a couple hours before bedtime. When you’re ready to turn in, tuck the sock in between your bed sheets to keep cool through the night.
8. Watch Christmas/Winter-time movies.
You don’t need to save The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for when it’s chilly out. Seriously, after almost three hours of nothing but ice and snow, your brain will be demanding your own snuggly lion to keep warm.
Did I miss anything? Leave them in the comments.
(Got a question or suggestion? Send them to val@rvanews.com)
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Valerie Catrow
Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
That sock thing just blew my mind. Are you my mother?
chilis and ginger. eat plenty o’ spicy foods. they actually help keep you cool, and repel insects. just look at virtually all south east asian diets. also a lot of hot teas help cool you as well, notably jasmine(did i just say notably…i’m turning into an essay)
Hand fans! I swear by them. They still work, after all these years, and are infinitely more portable than other methods of remaining cool.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_(implement)
hot showers…
The sock thing is right on. What makes it even better is putting a bit of peppermint essential oil in the sock with the rice (you can also use flax seed). Somehow the minty-ness intensifies the cooling effect by about a million degrees. AMAZING.
(Also, I know this is the opposite of keeping cool, but that rice sock is an excellent treatment for sore muscles or body aches when heated in the microwave for a few minutes.)
No PBR?? Psh, I’d rather get heat stroke.
A box of Freeze Pops is $3.49 for 100 at Kroger. FPs are the best way to beat the heat in 2-min increments.
what ever happened to pudding pops? those were incredible.
Geez whiz! SWIMMING!
Shave off your beards!
Why would anyone take a hot shower in the summer?
basphemy ross. my beard and i share a special bond. last time i shaved i didn’t recognize myself.
Summer is the perfect time to shave that beard. Shave it early and by the time it gets cold again, you’ll have enough facial growth to combat the elements…
and hot showers rule in the Summer. Blistering hot ones are the best because when you step out of the shower, even the balmiest days feel cool and refreshing for a good 5 minutes…
I’m all about the body powder.
It keeps things from sticking together.
If you are a man Gold Bond is a must after a shower. Start with the yellow bottle, medium strength, and then work your way up to the green bottle. Its like having a breeze in your boxers all day. Dont be cheap and get the off brand. WARNING: Start in small doses, dont be a macho man and go with a whole handfull.
now there is some sound advice…
Try new Gold Bond Ultimate Comfort.
Fresh, invigorating, and safe for your sensitive orifices.
I was so relieved when I realized you meant UNCOOKED RICE.
Just don’t try to put minty foot cream on your sensitive area(s). Tried it once and was running around screaming like a banshee while dousing myself with multiple glasses of cold water.
I’ve never tried it but a friend recited the tale of his college days at VCU, living on the 3rd floor with no AC in Richmond summer (or hell you could call it). he rubbed himself down with rubbing alcohol and sat in front of a fan. probably good for at least 5 minutes