What’s not to love about summer(opens in a new tab)? Bright sunshine, weekend trips to the beach, and indulging in cool treats like ice cream make this season by far one of the best. The only downside…extreme heat. We’ll take hot weather over cooler temperatures any day. But, after weeks of scorching heat, we’re ready for a cooldown. Good thing there are a lot ways to keep cool when the temperatures are just too hot. If you find yourself stuck inside due to the heat this year, give our following favorite activities a try.
Go for a Swim
Swimming is a classic summertime activity. Living in Charleston, we are lucky to have access to beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming. If you live in Charleston, or plan on visiting, we recommend you go for a dip at the following beaches...
- Folly Beach
- Isle of Palms
- Sullivan's Island
If you don’t live near a beach, grab a summer membership to a local pool or gym that has a pool. Places like the YMCA are typically very affordable and even offer swim classes for kids and adults that want to fine-tune their swimming skills. Whether you’re at the beach or pool, don’t forget to pack lots of sunscreen(opens in a new tab) to keep your skin protected! It’s possible to get sunburn even when you’re in the water swimming, so be careful and always apply sunscreen!
Create a Cool Body Mist
Regardless of how hot it is outside, chores like mowing the lawn, gardening, and walking the dog still have to get done. If you’re about to head outdoors for a few hours in the heat, we recommend bringing a cooling body mist spray with you. The following recipe is safe and chemical-free, and will help keep your body temperature cool.
Peppermint Body Mist Spray
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 peppermint tea bags
Directions: 1. Boil 2 cups of water. 2. Steep 2 peppermint tea bags in the boiling water for 10 minutes. 3. Pour peppermint tea into a spray bottle and set in fridge. Do NOT add any sweetener or sugar. 4. Let peppermint tea sit in fridge for at least 1 hour. 5. Mist on body while you are outside to keep you feeling fresh and cool.
Go to a Movie
Movie theaters are notorious for cranking up the AC. That makes them the perfect place to cool down and get out of the hot sun. Get your friends or family together, and make time to finally go to that movie you’ve been dying to see. Treat your family to popcorn for dinner. (It’s ok to have some fun and have a treat for dinner every one in a while!) Not only will the kids love it, but you’ll be able to avoid turning your oven on to cook dinner when you get home so you can keep your house cool.
Set Up a Sprinkler
Call us old-fashioned, but there’s nothing better than running through a sprinkler on a hot summer day. And yes, adults, this activity is for you too! If you don’t have a sprinkler, take a trip to your local garden center or home store. You can pick up a decent sprinkler for under $20 that can be used all summer long. When you get home, simply change into a swimsuit, attach a garden hose to the sprinkler, and enjoy!
Indulge in an Icy Treat
Last, but certainly not least, is our very favorite way to stay cool—indulging in a tasty, ice-cold, refreshing treat. If you’re an ice cream(opens in a new tab) lover, head down to your local ice cream parlor. Love slushies? Take a trip to your nearest gas station. Or if you’re more of a smoothie connoisseur, grab your favorite fruits, juices, and yogurt, and whip up a refreshing smoothie. Delish!
What’s your favorite way to cool down in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
