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WITH warmer days on the horizon, some parts of Europe could experience heat wave conditions this week, with temperatures above 35°C during the day and lows of around 20°C at night.
Here are a few simple and natural ways to help you cope with these high temperatures, without using air conditioning.
Open up at night, bunker down during the day
These first steps are essential. They're the basics of keeping cool in summer, hailing from a time when air conditioning was not a matter of global warming, but of money. And these techniques have been passed down from one shrewd and savvy generation to the next.
First, close the windows and shutters as much as possible, then draw the blinds or curtains. This will prevent the heat from coming into your home and keep the interior cool.
To make this even more effective, open up doors and windows in the morning and in the evening (and at night if possible) to ventilate your home to refresh the air. Before the sun rises or after it sets, the weather will be milder and more pleasant, and you will bring these benefits into your home.
Eat cold foods, seek out greenery
So what if you've followed these first steps religiously, but it's still too hot?
If you have a garden, it's time to think about growing plants that can help you out here. Climbing plants like passionflower or Virginia creeper can be a good choice, and there are plenty more. Green plants can also be a great help when it comes to cooling your home. Try a rubber plant (ficus elastica) or a snake plant (sansevieria), for example.
In addition, it's important to stay hydrated (do we really need to remind you?), especially during heat waves. Your body needs water, so consume it in all its forms. Try to drink at least two liters per day during hot weather, or spritz water on your forehead or on your pulse points.
Finally, choose cold meals, such as vegetable salads.
Sleep naked (totally naked)
This can really help. The best option is to fall asleep naked with slightly moist skin in order to take advantage of the air flow created by opening the windows at night. – ETX Daily Up, June 15, 2022