It’s that time of the year where it should be pouring cats and dogs and we all should be enjoying splashing around in puddles and having samosa-chai. However, thanks to the El-Nino effect and the climate change, we’re still not over with the hot summers.
It’s high time we discovered some heat-beating techniques for these extended summers. All the same, we don’t want methods which involve spending a ton of money, because after all we’re not Bill Gates, right? These are more street-smart and weather-smart techniques.
Here’s a list of top 10 ways to beat the heat.
1. Stop thinking, start acting!
The more you obsess over the temperature, the more it’s going to gnaw at your brain. Seriously, give a break to those “oh-it’s-so-hot” discussions and keep your cool if anyone attempts to do the same with you. Simple psychology asks you to preoccupy your brain with more important wordly matters. Think about the Hamas kidnappings in the Israel-Gaza strip. Even the number of increasing Ebola cases will do. But divert your brain!
2. Sunny “Deo”-L
Summers lead to hot body temperatures, leading to sweat, leading to horrible body odour. The one stop solution? Keep a deo handy. This will relieve not just your nose, but also those of your fellow passengers in various means of public transport.
3. Sunscreen is your best friend
This is something you shouldn’t even think of skipping, even in your oiliest skin days or days where you’re running late. That’s because you shouldn’t regret having any weird tan lines at the end of this season. Tanning not only causes pigmentation, but is harmful for the skin in more ways than one. What’s more, it’s difficult to remove tans except maybe by laser methods. Even cornflour with curd may do the trick!
4. Of derma-care
As described in the previous point, your skin needs extra care during these hot summer days. Keeping it sweat free is one task, the next is keeping it super-clean and free from dust and bacteria. Washing your face twice a day is an absolute must! Some people even like bathing twice or thrice a day, to keep the bad germs at bay. Dettol or Lifebuoy, choice is yours. This is obviously subject to water availability, and the temperature too! Ice bucket challenges are very much in these days, too.
5. Keep dry and stay in shade
Always, always, always keep handy any sort of drying device, e.g a hand towel, wet wipes, tissue paper, anything that suits you. Also try to avoid the sunny side up, literally. Walk on the shaded side of the road. This will not only keep you away from that constant sunshine battering down on your head, but also keep your cool and keep the sweat at bay. This is a must-do for those who sweat like pigs at any time of the day, from places that are not worth describing, giving out odours that are not worth mentioning. Such people are especially more prone to acne and skin infections.
6. One’s company, two’s a crowd.
Ditch that crowded bus or metro, travel by foot or e-rickshaw instead. Here, your mom’s age-old advice might come in useful: carry an umbrella. Longer distances? Wait for the next one. But whatever the situation, do not, I repeat DO NOT, travel in a crowded means of public transport. The sweaty bodies writhing against you and that awful stench will drive you crazy to bits and pieces. In the end, you’ll just end up with your morale to do good plummeting down the abyss.
7. Bag and baggage
Bags are of utmost importance in this heat, since a heavy bag can cause incessant sweating especially if they are made of leather or leatherite. It is therefore necessary to carry lightweight bags made of breathable fabrics. While carrying around all your stuff dumped in a Jhola may have been the best option, now it is passé. Go shopping for that perfect new bag which is lightweight and can hold most of your stuff. Home tip? Old denims make really good carry bags, with a creative use of scissors. Buttons and thread.
8. Of slims and shady’s
Buy a new pair of shades. NOW. You’ll thank me for it! The boom of the online retail sector has made it even more convenient, so why the delay? Aviators and retro-style shades have been a la mode for quite some time now. Make the most of this trend and say it with attitude.
9. Less is more
Girls, this one’s for you! Summers is equivalent to less clothing and more breathable fabrics. So go flaunt that tan from your beach vacation with the minimal accessories look. Dig out those summer tunics and ganji’s. Plus point? Floral print dhoti’s and patialas are back in trend. Team that with a pair of funky flip-flops, and then what could be better than that for your summer wear. Boys may opt for Bermudas and tees too.
10. Machine ka thanda paani @ ₹2 per glass.
Stop laughing, this actually works. Trust me. When you’re on a long, long walk on an awful stretch of land and you’ve been battered by the blazing sunshine, finding these small little trailers can prove to be as joyful a moment as finding an oasis in the Sahara desert. Huge, huge relief incase of temporary dehydration due to drying up of plastic Bisleri bottle carried from home.
In short, drink plenty of water, stay hydrated and keep your cool. Soon everyone will be complaining about the winter frost bites too, so enjoy the summer season while it lasts!
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