August 3, 2023 AC Down? We’ve Got You Covered!
Great! Just when you thought your air conditioner, which was on its last leg, had made it through the summer, it breaks down … in a heatwave! Staying cool without AC, especially for those of us who work from home, can be tricky. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get through the last of the summer heat, AC not required.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated during the heat is key. When temps are high, it’s easy for the body to lose water through sweating. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Additionally, if you feel thirsty you’re often already dehydrated. So remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Stay indoors and out of the sun
Avoid the heat by staying indoors with the fans on. If your home does get too hot, take a break and head to an air-conditioned shopping mall, library, museum, or other public space to cool off for a few hours. And if you do have to spend time outdoors, scope out shady areas and stay out of the sun as much as you can.
Apply lots of sunscreen
If you do have to head out into the sun, remember to lather on the sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure you apply it to any areas of the body not covered by clothing and reapply every few hours.
Head down to the basement
As heat rises, basements are usually the coolest room in the home. If you can, consider sleeping or working down in the basement so you can stay cool and well rested.
Opt for light breathable fabrics
Light breathable fabrics made from natural fibres are effective at keeping your body cool. To stay cool during the night, choose cotton or bamboo bedding and strip off any blankets, duvets, and pillows. Additionally, products such as cooling blankets and pillows and breathable, cooling bedsheets can make sleeping during a heatwave more bearable.
Keep curtains drawn and windows closed during the day
Your instinct might tell you to open all the windows to let what little breeze there is in, but, in fact, keeping windows closed and curtains drawn during the day can help keep the house cool. Once the sun sets, however, make sure to open up to let in the cooler air.
Tip: Avoid turning on the oven or other appliances that generate heat during the heatwave.
Take a cold shower
Taking a cold shower or bath can help cool you down. Just remember to avoid sudden changes in temperatures as this can be harmful to the body. Don’t have time for a shower or bath? Splash some cold water on your face or plunge your feet into cold water for a quick break from the heat.
Apply a cold compress
If you feel your body getting hot, applying a cold compress or ice pack on certain key parts of the body such as the wrists and neck can help cool you down immensely. Just remember to avoid applying ice directly to the skin as this can cause ice burn. Instead, use a cold compress such as a Magic Bag that was stored in the freezer.
Tip: The Magic Bag Neck-to-Back is perfect for cooling down and targeting those key body parts. Additionally, a cold Magic Bag Travel Pad to the forehead can work wonders.
Heatwaves can be dangerous for all of us, not just the very young or the elderly. If your AC is down, try these simple tips and tricks to stay cool. And remember to put that Magic Bag in the freezer so it is ready when you need it. Shop for your Magic Bag compress today.
