How to Keep Cool Without A/C

The thought of spending the summer without air conditioning is enough to make many people cringe. Air conditioning is a relatively modern convenience. Before its invention, people survived summer temperatures without the cooling breeze of an A/C unit -- and you can, too.

There are many reasons for opting out of using air conditioning this season. Individuals who are environmentally minded can see the benefit of saving energy and reducing greenhouse emissions. Air conditioners use a lot of power, and thus, require a lot of fuel to generate electricity.

Running air conditioners also can be expensive. For those who are cutting costs, keeping the A/C off or minimizing usage can add up to considerable savings come bill time.

For centuries individuals did not use air conditioners to keep cool. You can rely on some basic ways to beat the heat and invent some of your own.

The Obvious

Try these ideas first to stay cool.

* Use a fan to circulate air. If a cool breeze isn't making it indoors, use a fan do draw in air from outside. If hot air is trapped inside, use a fan in the opposite direction to draw warm air out. Also, consider installing ceiling fans to help air circulate throughout larger rooms.

* Draw the curtains or blinds to minimize the amount of heat that will build up due to sunlight.

* Cover south- and west-facing windows with black-out curtains to minimize heat gain from the sun.

* Keep windows closed during particularly hot days, and open them up at night when the temperature has cooled off.

* Move to a lower level of the home where it tends to be cooler since heat rises.

* Wear natural fabrics like cotton and linen to keep you cooler.

* Light-colored clothing will reflect the sun's rays. Dark clothing will absorb the heat.

Water, Water Everywhere

Getting wet could be the key to cooling off.

* Spend time in a sprinkler, pool or other source of water.

* Fill up the bathtub with cool water and take a dip. A cool shower also can cool you down.

* Wet a shirt or a bandana and wear it. The combination of the wet item of clothing and a slight breeze can cool you down quickly.

* Use a water bottle mister and a fan to provide a cooling sensation.

* Feeling hot when you're trying to sleep can lead to a restless night. Chill a pillowcase in the freezer and sleep on the cool surface. Or wet and freeze a pillowcase and place it on your feet or head to stay cool. The body radiates heat from the hands, feet, face and ears, so cooling any of these will efficiently cool the body.

Food Remedies

Use food to help cool down the body.

* Many people in warmer climates eat spicy foods. These foods can cause you to perspire more and thus cool down faster.

* If you don't want to go for spicy, go for cold foods, such as ices, ice cream and cold fruit.

* Always drink plenty of cold beverages that are free of alcohol, sodium and caffeine.

* Peppermint has a cooling sensation. You can also use peppermint oil on your skin or menthol products to help you to feel cooler.

* Slice a thin piece of cold cucumber and stick it in the middle of your forehead. This starts to work immediately.

The Bare Truth

Sometimes shedding some clothes is the key.

* If you are indoors, strip down to your undergarments, a bathing suit.

* In low-humidity situations, it actually may help you feel cooler if you are fully clothed and covered-up outdoors. This blocks the sun from beating on your skin.