What is the best way to keep cool in summer?

Where I live (in the Canadian Rockies) our summers are milder, but when it gets really hot out, a nice dip in the lake is all it takes to cool off.

by ShawnaR

wow! ARE YOU BLESSED seriously, beautiful.

I'll admit, I feel pretty privileged to live where I do. It's an amazing place to be in the summer. Right now the lake is almost frozen over and it's about -7 so I'm not loving it quite as much :)

Make an easy, delicious and chilled mango smoothie by blending ripe mangoes, milk/yoghurt, ice cubes and few mint leaves. Lie back and enjoy a glassful of heaven. Pure bliss.

by joya.

YES! that sounds amazing A+A+A+A+A :)

I think keeping spray bottles of water in the fridge and taking them with you really helps! Just spray yourself everytime the heat is getting to you.

by Jade Nichols

I head to my favourite beach - there's nothing like a good swim in the ocean to cool down.

by Sarah Bell

Plenty of iced water first and foremost. Otherwise a fruit treat like Frosty Fruits. Tropical smoothies and ice creams are also great - not to mention fro-yo's.

by Justine Crowley

For those without the luxury of a swimming pool in their back yards, buy a child's paddling pool, fill it with water, add all the iceblocks you have in the fridge (leaving a few for your G&T), then just loll in it. You'll be cool in no time flat!

by grann

Definitely a visit to the beach always works wonders, although we're not all fortunate enough to live conveniently close by one.

On outrageously hot days when even the air conditioning is struggling, I find a lovely cool bath is very refreshing. Otherwise, if I'm sitting around at home I'll fill a large bucket or tub with water and soak my feet in there. I find this works wonders. Jade's idea of filling a spray bottle with cool water and spraying it on herself is also one I try when it gets too hot for comfort. I like to add a small dash of rose water (which can be bought at most Asian and Middle Eastern stores), which I find is extra refreshing. Another top tip is to burn refreshing essential oils in an oil burner as this is very invigorating. Light citrus oils are best, in my opinion...orange, bergamot, lemon and grapefruit are my favourites.

by Carolyn Hopping

Definitely a visit to the beach always works wonders, although we're not all fortunate enough to live conveniently close by one.

On outrageously hot days when even the air conditioning is struggling, I find a lovely cool bath is very refreshing. Otherwise, if I'm sitting around at home I'll fill a large bucket or tub with water and soak my feet in there. I find this works wonders. Jade's idea of filling a spray bottle with cool water and spraying it on herself is also one I try when it gets too hot for comfort. I like to add a small dash of rose water (which can be bought at most Asian and Middle Eastern stores), which I find is extra refreshing. Another top tip is to burn refreshing essential oils in an oil burner as this is very invigorating. Light citrus oils are best, in my opinion...orange, bergamot, lemon and grapefruit are my favourites.

by Carolyn Hopping

In 40C+ heat do NOT drink alcohol - it only makes you hotter after the first one. Sip water or iced tea. Close all windows, doors, blinds, curtains. Block draughts under doors - like in Winter. Turn off computers & printers. Put a big fluffy towel over the bottom bed-sheet & a rolled up towel under yr knees. Stand a fan nearby; Read a Book to get to sleep. Hang Bamboo Blinds over windows on the outside and save up to install Roller blinds over windows outside and UV/Heat reflective film on window glass. Not everyone has air-conditioning, and many no longer have a bath to soak in - thanks to a very silly trend. Oh! and skip all house-cleaning until the cool change arrives!!

by delbr

A dip in the pool is the only way to go. I was told when we went looking to buy a house we could afford a house with A/C or a house with a pool. I opted for a pool. I still think i made the right choice

by butterfly lady

All seasons are to be enjoyed. I go for a jog, sweat and eventually feel cold.

by Radhika