HEALTHY HABITS◽ YOU
Cool Down
by Marcy Lytle
Here where I live, our city has cooling stations. These are spaces where those on the street, whether out and about, or living on the street, can go to cool off when the heat is on. Temperatures soar over 100 on too many days, and cooling stations provide a much needed service to the community. I thought about these stations and realized that we all need “cooling stations” where we can step in, cool off, and be refreshed to go on our way:
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If we need to wear something cool on a hot day, we can consider no scarves, hair up, and shorts under our skirt so our legs stay dry. And what about a neck fan? I bought my sister one when she visited, and it was a life saver.
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You know how kids love splash pads? It cools them off and they’re so happy. Did you know that some hotels have pool passes, where you can get one for the day to cool off? Or, even better, check into the hotel overnight and cool off for the weekend!
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Don’t forget the power of watermelon! Sometimes, I’ve just completely forgotten to buy one in the summer. Grab one, have a friend over, and enjoy this cool treat until you’re cooled off!
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If your house is hot, remember to keep the oven off, your curtains drawn, and ceiling fans on. It’s okay to eat charcuterie, lay out sandwich fixins, or order food to be delivered on hot days. While the curtains are closed, watch a movie that takes place in the snow!
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When we’re heated up in controversy with family and friends, we need a way and a place to cool off instead of exploding. We can text a friend who knows how to keep us accountable with boundaries.
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If it’s too hot to go for your daily walks outside, take them inside! Walk the mall, with a friend. Make a plan to avoid stepping inside any store until you’ve walked your steps!
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Water seems like a no-brainer, but we’d be surprised sometimes how we get busy and forget to drink. If water isn’t your favorite, flavor it with fruit or cucumbers. Look up different flavored waters on line, and be creative!
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Take a trip to tour a cave! It’s always the same cool degrees underground, so why not book a tour and enjoy the stalagmites and the stalactites?” Take the whole family for a break from the heat!
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So many sleep with noise on the phone, with an app…but use a real fan instead. Blow it across the bed. And if you have a ceiling fan, even better. Both fans blowing – a great cool down!
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Consider a “sleepover” with the family on the floor! Lay out sleeping bags and make it a campout at home, with snacks and fun cold drinks.
There are lots of ways to cool down when the heat is on. And sometimes, it’s the healthiest thing we can do…especially in late summer!