If you are feeling the summer heat as a bit too much of a good thing these days, consider this lovely bit of prose from Natalie Babbitt in her classic novel, Tuck Everlasting.
“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot.”
If this week is motionless and hot, how are we to stay fluid and cool? Walking a positive path through hot weather can be challenging, but when we cool ourselves physically, our moods can only follow. Try these simple cooling techniques:
1) Breathe your temp down by inhaling sharply through your mouth and exhaling through your nose. Feel the air drawing across your tongue, signaling your brain to cool down.
2) Freeze your pillowcase for a few minutes before you go to bed, for a bit of coolness that will help you rest.
3) Ice your pulse points at your wrists, neck, and behind your knees for a minute at a time to cool down in spots where your blood vessels are closest to the surface of your body.
4) Hydrate properly, with at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Try one of these healthy flavored waters to boost your beverage.
5) Manage your emotions by taking a deep breath before responding to any triggering situations. Remember that a hot body can lead to a hot temper—if you are feeling extra touchy, ask yourself what you can do to cool off…inside and out.
What are your go-to hot weather tips?
