Long days, warms nights and good times are a sure sign that summertime has officially arrived.
However, for those without air conditioning, it's a time of the year when there is no cool side of the pillow.
Luckily, we've researched some of the best hacks to beat the heat this summer!
Chilled bed sheets and pillowcases
Fold your bed sheets and pillowcases, put them in resealable plastic bags and stick them in the freezer for a few hours. Take them out when it is bedtime and make the bed. The cooling effect may not last through the night, but the sheets will stay cold enough to nod off.
Iced 'hot' water bottle
So what if it's made for boiling water? Fill a classic hot water bottle with chilly cold water and crushed ice cubes. Put the "hot" water bottle in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool it down even further. Remove from the fridge and place on the back of your knees, on your stomach or under your feet. The only downside is the mild condensation, so wrap the bottle in a thin towel.
Chilled peppermint body and face spray
Brew a pot of peppermint tea and put it in the fridge. Once it's cold, pour the chilled tea into a spray bottle and casually mist yourself with it. The cold will activate the peppermint tea's menthol and giver your skin chilly, tingly sensation. Spray bottles are portable too, making it perfect for a refreshing spritz while waiting on a hot day.
Fruit infused ice cubes
Simple and delicious! Cut up chunks of your favourite fruit, place them in an ice cube tray, fill with water and let it chill in the freezer. Once the cubes have frozen, pop them into cold water for a chilled and flavoured beverage.
The body's cooling pressure points
The human body has several pressure points in the neck, inner wrists, the inside bend of elbows, back of your knees and ankles that can magically cool it down. Place an ice pack on these spots for a minute for the most efficient way to cool the body and the sudden cold chills your blood vessels, lowering your overall body temperature quickly and efficiently.
If none of these work well, remember, sooner than later you'll be sweeping snow off your windshield in the middle of a February snowstorm!
