How to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning

Is it hot? Do you have AC? If you don't have air conditioning, it can sure make coping with the heat hard to deal with. I know, I have been in that situation before. When in the middle of a heat wave the number one goal is to get cool - if that's even possible. Since I've lived through exactly two heat waves so far without air conditioning, I do have some tips that can help!

Find Shade

I know, this one is fairly obvious - but it's surprising to me how the body adapts. Once I find shade, my body seems to adapt tot he heat and it doesn't bother me anymore. The key is to stay in the shade for a fairly long period of time.

Open Windows at Night

Don't open your windows during the day - it only seems to make things worse. In other words, you're just letting the heat in if you do this. Notice how it is usually much cooler at night? Open all the windows in your house at night. Then close them when you wake up and close the curtains. This will help keep some of the heat out.

Cool Bamboo Mats

You know, I have never really tried this but I read that they do it in tropical and hot climates. Buy some bamboo mats and spray them with cold water. Leave them in your most used rooms of the house. The could help keep things cool!

Ice Cubes

Have plenty of ice cubes on hand. Drinking something cool that is filled with ice cubs can help lower your body temperature. Also, if it is really hot, you can rub the ice cubes on your skin to help cool you down. This is one of my favorite tactics!

Use Fans

I don't know how I almost forgot to mention this - but fans are your friend when it is hot out. I recommend having at least two - one that you can leave in the family room and one for your bedroom. If you have children, buy a fan for their rooms too. There are different kinds of fans but they are all pretty affordable.