Hey there, Chandigarh folks! If you feel like you’re living inside an oven this summer, you’re not alone. With temperatures skyrocketing past 45 degrees Celsius, it seems like our beautiful city is auditioning for a role as the sun’s hot plate. But fear not!
We’ve got a survival guide packed with tips and tricks to help you stay cool, beat summer heat, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. So grab a cold drink, find a shady spot, and let’s dive in.
Traditional Ways to Cool Off Yourself: A Glimpse into the Past
Summer in Chandigarh can be quite harsh, but you don’t need to rely solely on modern technology to stay cool. Our ancestors had some ingenious ways to beat the heat, and these traditional methods can be just as effective today. Here are some tried-and-true techniques to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot months.
1. Natural Cooling Systems
Hang khus khus (vetiver) mats on windows and doors, you can consider Vetiver Rectangular Curtain For Home Cooling for the same purpose. These mats, when kept wet, act as natural coolers as air passes through them, providing a refreshing breeze.
Additionally, use earthen pots like a Village Decor Handmade Earthen Clay water pot to store drinking water. The porous nature of the clay allows water to evaporate slowly, keeping the contents cool—a technique known as evaporative cooling.
2. Traditional Clothing
Loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics like cotton and linen can be of great help. In the past, men wore dhotis and kurtas, while women draped themselves in sarees or salwar kameez, allowing for maximum air circulation.
Embrace traditional garments like kurtas, sarees, and lungis made from light cotton. These not only keep you cool but also add a cultural touch to your wardrobe.
3. Cooling Diets
The diet also plays a significant role in staying cool. Drink traditional coolers like lassi, chaas (buttermilk), and aam panna (a drink made from raw mangoes) to stay hydrated and cool from the inside.
Sherbets made from ingredients like rose, khus, and sandalwood are also effective in beating the heat.
Incorporate cucumbers, watermelon, mint, and yogurt into your diet. These foods have natural cooling properties and help in maintaining your body temperature.
4. Social Practices
In the past, social practices also contributed to beating the heat. Afternoons were often reserved for siestas, recognizing the importance of resting during the hottest part of the day. Evenings were spent outdoors, in the shade of trees or in communal areas, where people would gather to share stories, play traditional games, or simply enjoy the cooler temperatures. You can incorporate the same social practices in the present also.
Modern Tips to Stay Cool & Conquer the Summer Heat
Here are some practical tips and creative ideas to help you beat the summer heat while staying indoors in Chandigarh.
1. Use Fans Efficiently
Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of a table fan. The air will circulate over the ice and create a cooling breeze. Additionally, ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise during the summer to push cool air down. You can consider the Kanz Enterprises Modern Imported Designer Ceiling Fan for the same purpose.
2. Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed
Prevent the sun’s heat from entering your home by closing curtains and blinds, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Use blackout curtains such as HIPPO 100% Blackout Roller Blinds for maximum effect. However, open windows and doors in the evening and early morning when the outside temperature is cooler.
3. Incorporate Healthy Diet Habits
Keep a water bottle like the VDNSI Sipper Water Bottle with you and take regular sips throughout the day. Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water for a refreshing twist. Opt for salads, fruits, and smoothies which are not only cool but also easy to digest. Avoid heavy, spicy, and oily foods that can increase body heat.
4. Cool Your Skin
- Cold showers or baths: Cold water shower helps to lower your body temperature quickly, providing immediate relief from the heat.
- Aloe vera gel: Not just for sunburns! It’s cooling and soothing. Do give Kapiva Pure Aloe Vera Skin Gel a try.
- Spray bottles of chilled water: Keep one handy for a refreshing mist whenever you need it. It’s like giving yourself a mini rain shower. Try out the HARRODS Plastic Small Spray Bottle.
5. DIY Cooling Solutions
Fill a shallow pan with ice and position it at an angle in front of a fan. The fan will blow air over the ice, cooling the room.
Further, you can apply ice packs or cold compresses to pulse points such as your wrists, neck, and temples. This helps cool your body quickly.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Avoid dark colors and synthetic materials that can trap heat.
7. Create a Cool Environment
Place indoor plants like aloe vera, snake plant, and peace lily which can help purify the air and provide a cooling effect. Keep a small water fountain or a bowl of water to increase humidity and create a cooling effect. Bring the outdoors in with the Ugaoo Indoor Plants Combo of 4.
8. Virtual Socializing
Beat the isolation blues by connecting with friends and family through video calls and online games. Organize virtual movie nights or book clubs to stay entertained and engaged. Do give the EGate i9 Pro-Max 6900 Lumens Bluetooth Projector a try for cozy movie nights.
Conclusion
Surviving the blistering summer heat in Chandigarh might seem like a Herculean task, but with these tips and tricks, you can make it a lot more bearable—and even fun. Stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and make the most of indoor activities and cooler evening hours. By adopting sustainable practices and staying mindful of your hydration and cooling needs, you can beat the heat and enjoy a comfortable summer. Stay cool, Chandigarh!