Simple Energy Saving Steps to Keeping Cool in Hot Weather
Easy ways we tend to forget when trying to keep cool during heat waves in Summer.
Most of the time, when experiencing the extreme heat of summer, most of us tend to rush into air conditioned spaces and indulge in frequent cold showers. Great ideas, but an even greater effect on the environment. Here are a few ways in decreasing the body’s temperature with low impact on the environment.
Step 1: Drink lots of Water
By far the easiest and cheapest way of lowering the body’s temperature. Keeping oneself hydrated ensures that the body doesn’t overheat. Fill a couple of bottles with water and put them in the fridge/freezer to ensure maximum cooling power.
Step 2: Don’t shower with cold water
Although it sounds weird, taking a cold shower will actually raise your body’s temperature in the long run. This is because once the outer body temperature is lower than normal, the body compensates for this by heating up to increase it back to normal levels. Therefore, one should take a shower with tepid water which is just slightly cooler than normal body temperature.
Step 3: Keep certain body parts damp
Hands, feet and the head are known to be great radiators of body heat. Keeping them cool would lower body temperature faster than normal. Wear damp cotton socks or put a cold cotton towel on the head to allow evaporation to cool the body.
Step 4: Wear appropriate clothing
Ensure that light cotton clothes are worn to allow sweat to evaporate and cool the body. Synthetic materials and even cotton in dark colours will only trap heat. Light colours will deflect heat and allow the body to cool itself. Too much exposure to the sun would also lead to over-evaporation which will eventually lead to dehydration. This could be overcome by wearing hats and covering up a little more. This could also help in lowering exposure to harmful UV ray.
Step 5: Take naps
It is common knowledge that the body’s temperature decreases slightly when sleeping, thus it is only fair to say that napping allows the body to cool itself naturally. Less energy is metabolised when sleeping, keeping the body temperature low.
These are just some of the many steps one could take to keep cool during hot weather.
Resources:
1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-191204/20-hot-tips-stay-cool.html
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_5050827_stay-cool-hot-weather.html
3. http://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-Comfortably-on-a-Hot-Night
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoregulation
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