Summer is definitely here! The temps have been super high, and even the rain passing through some evenings doesn’t seem to be giving any relief. To keep cool, I definitely utilize the air conditioning, but swimming in the pool has been lovely when I just need to be out in nature, which I do often. Today, I’ll be mostly indoors working on some lingering projects and finishing up the last touches of my book! Countdown: 1 more day!! It’s out tomorrow!!

Watering the garden has been something I do in the early morning hours before the heat gets too unbearable, and before the air quality is difficult. I water again in the mid-late afternoon if it looks like the plants are thirsty. I’ll find any excuse to be barefoot on the grass & outdoors! When the air quality improves, I love to float in the pool with a good book or on the yard swing near the pond.

To beat the Summer heat, here are some of my suggestions:

1. Water! Water! Water! Stay hydrated!
2. Electrolyte water or coconut water (also good for boosting electrolytes) on those more active days in the heat or for that extra boost of hydration.
3. Fruits that have a high water content.
4. Keep your food for the daylight.
5. Keep cool. If you don’t have access to a pool or sprinkler, splash cool water on your face often and stay as much in the shade as possible. Shade can drop the temperature by at least 10 degrees!
6. Don’t use the oven in the house! Use the grill or eat salads and sandwiches so you don’t heat up the house.
7. If you have a fan and not air conditioning, place a cold bowl of ice cubes that’s been in the freezer behind the fan, aimed at you, giving you a similar cooling effect. I used this idea years ago when my children were little before we had air conditioning. It worked!
8. If you don’t have AC, and you have a basement, hang out there for the day with a fan. The lower levels of a home are always cooler. Heat rises!
9. Rest and Relaxation on these days. Don’t push yourself too much, The more you exert yourself, the easier it is to overheat.
10. Stay away from caffeine. It’s a diuretic. We don’t want to deplete our hydration even more.
11. Put cucumber slices in your water. It naturally cools down the body.
12. When outside: wear cooling fabrics like cotton and linen. Put you hair up if you can, wear hats that cover and protect you and sunglasses, and go barefoot or use sandals when you can to air out your feet. Keep a water with you always. Notice the signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke: Sweating profusely, Cold & clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, being very tired, dizziness, headache. Get inside immediately and call 911 if you feel these symptoms. Resting, cooling down indoors and replenishing fluids slowly and carefully are very important. Go to the CDC website for tips. It’s a great resource.

These are just a few thoughts and suggestions. I am not a medical professional. Seek the advice of a doctor if concerned, or want more advice. Stay Safe, Cool, and Hydrated everyone!

A Refreshing Berry Salad recipe to stay cool:

1 pint fresh blackberries

1 pint fresh raspberries

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 lb fresh strawberries

Fresh sprigs of mint

Directions:

Clean all berries and pat dry. Slice the strawberries. Toss together in a large bowl, along with sprigs of mint, whole or chopped, to your taste. A few leaves seem to be plenty. Toss together and enjoy!! It serves 2-4 people.