As the summer heats up you may be looking for smart ways to cool down. The following are five simple ways to beat the heat, so your summertime fun doesn’t have to take a beating.

  1. Become a fan of the fan! If you don’t have an air conditioner, simply fill a large bowl with ice and place it in front of a regular room fan. And even if you have an air conditioner, use a room fan to help circulate the cool air even better.
  2. Add a little spice to your life! Have you ever wondered why food from hot places—such as India and Mexico—tends to be on the spicy side? It has everything to do with sweat. Hot peppers contain a natural chemical called capsaicin, which signals your body to perspire. And perspiration, as we all know, works to cool your body down as it evaporates on your skin. So, try adding red chili flakes to your favorite dishes. Spaghetti sauce, fried chicken, even salads can benefit from a little kick.
  3. Don’t get low on H2O! As you sweat, your body loses the water essential to keeping you hydrated. Dehydration, in turn, causes your temperature to rise. So, it’s crucial to replenish your body’s water supply. Make sure to keep a bottle of water on you at all times. And if you find water too boring, try adding fresh ingredients—such as citrus fruits, berries, or mint—to a pitcher of water for a burst of flavor. But make sure to limit your consumption of beverages that contain alcohol, added sugar and caffeine, which are actually dehydrating.
  4. Go barefoot! One of the fastest ways to feel cooler throughout your body is to cool your feet off first. So, go ahead, flick off those shoes and feel the grass between your toes! 
  5. Draw those blinds! The sunlight coming in through your windows is a major contributor to the increased temperature of your home. West-facing and south-facing rooms are especially susceptible to this type of heat exchange. Keeping your shades drawn during the sunniest hours can reduce temperatures significantly. Roller shades, which are easy to install, are a relatively inexpensive option, while insulated curtains are a bit more of an investment. However, insulated curtains are also effective at keeping your house warm in the winter, so consider it an investment that pays for itself all year long.