Heat? What Heat?

A no-nonsense guide to not melting this summer.

1. Close the curtains

Sunlight through windows turns your room into a greenhouse. Block it during peak hours (10 AM–6 PM). Blackout curtains or reflective blinds work best.

2. Hydrate before you're thirsty

Thirst is a lagging indicator. Drink water steadily through the day. Add a pinch of salt or electrolyte tablets if you're sweating heavily. Avoid alcohol — it dehydrates you.

3. The wet towel trick

Drape a cold, damp towel over your neck or wrists. The large blood vessels there cool your entire body within minutes. Works faster than waiting for AC.

4. Fans + ice = poor man's AC

Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan. The air picks up the cold melt water and gives you a genuine cooling breeze. It's surprisingly effective for small rooms.

5. Cook outside — or don't cook

Every time you use the oven or stove, you heat your home. Switch to salads, cold soups, or outdoor grilling. Your kitchen thermostat will thank you.

6. Go nocturnal

If you can, shift physically demanding tasks to early morning or late evening. Siestas exist for a reason. Embrace the nap.

7. Know the danger signs

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea. Heat stroke: no sweat, confusion, hot dry skin, body temp above 40°C. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call for help immediately.