Summer 2017 is here, and it’s hotter than ever. For those fasting, the rozas are long and tiring. We try to spend most of our time in the air-conditioned indoors, but there comes a time when we need to brave the heat, as well. Additionally, ACs are known to take up significant electricity and will inevitably crank up your utility bills (unless you use inverter ACS). You should be well equipped to deal with the scorching sun; it can leave you dehydrated and miserable and take away from the quality of your day. Here are some easy practices you can start today to stay cool in summer without an AC.
1. Dress for Success
Leave the silk, polyester and artificial fabrics in the dresser. Wear something breathable. Cambric, or light cotton, would be ideal. We’ve talked about the fabric, now let’s talk about the fit. Wearing loose, breezy outer (and even inner) garments can go a long way in ensuring that your body is well ventilated.
2. Ventilation is Important
Speaking of ventilation, make sure that your living accommodation are well aerated. If you live, in a coastal city like Karachi, you should get a decent breeze throughout the day. Find rooms that have strong cross-ventilation, that means windows on either side, so that the breeze can pass through easily.
3. Freeze Your Bedsheets
Try putting your bedsheets in the freezer for about half an hour before setting your bed and sleeping. Keeping them in a plastic bag will help prevent the smell of food from getting in. Just give it a try!
4. Go for a Swim
Take up swimming as an exercise. It’s still possible to pull this off in between rozas, for those who fast. It’ll leave you refreshed for hours after you leave the pool.
5. Take Cold Showers
On a similar note, taking regular, cold showers can work wonders for bringing your body temperature down. Even a 10-15 second shower can do the trick, and it doesn’t even take up that much water. If you do it efficiently.
6. Soak It Up!
If you’re out in the heat, try soaking your cap, or dupatta, in cold water before putting it on. Someone looking at you can barely tell the difference, but you certainly can. Trust us.
7. Switch Your Schedule
Try switching your schedule around, if you have work that doesn’t need to be done in the day, try doing it at night, or early morning when it’s cooler and when a simple roof-fan will suffice.
8. Ice Packs
Keeping ice packs around is definitely a good idea. You can store them in your freezer and then bring them out if you’re going for a hot drive.
9. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is the key to survive the hot summer days. Even if you’re fasting, you can still down plenty of bottles of chilled beverages between iftar and sehri. Taraweeh is a great time to rehydrate, as well.
10. Stay Cool!
Make use of standing, or even mobile fans. Dampening your face with water and then fanning yourself with one of those battery powered mini-fans can still make a big difference.
