Whether you live in the Sahara or suburban Philadelphia, a heat wave makes it seem impossible to keep cool. Hopefully, your air conditioner is working well. If not, you’re going to have to get creative to stay cool as the temperatures rise.
Fortunately, MoreVent has some unique tips to help you keep cool while you’re waiting for air conditioning service to get your cooling system back up and running:

1. Eat Spicy Food
   Ironically, eating spicy food actually helps you cool down. Spicy foods stimulate the heat receptors in your mouth, enhancing circulation and causing you to sweat – the human body’s method of cooling itself.
2. Freeze Your Sheets
   There’s never a more difficult time to fall asleep than when temperatures reach ungodly heights. Put your bedding and linens in the freezer for an hour or two before you go to bed. This keeps your bed linen refreshingly cold for about an hour, enough time to fall asleep and get a good night’s rest.
3. Lights Off, Windows Closed
   Studies have indicated that a dark room feels cooler than a well-lit one. And don’t open your windows. You’re better off keeping the lights down and blowing a fan on full blast. With natural and artificial insulation, houses retain cooler temperatures during the day. Letting in warm air and light only diminishes the work your insulation is doing to keep the heat out.
4. Avoid Your Vices
   Scientific studies have consistently shown that the human body has to work incredibly harder to metabolize alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Drinks containing these ingredients eventually warm up your body, which is counterproductive in the midst of a heat wave. There is no better way to stay hydrated and cool than drinking water.
5. Soak Your Clothes
   Dunk or rinse your clothes in cold water and put them on. In combination with a nice breeze, the wet fabric does a great job of lowering your body’s temperature to help you keep cool.
6. Peppermint Body Wash
   If you know a heat wave is coming or you’re willing to brave the heat outdoors, go to your local pharmacy or supermarket and buy a peppermint-based soap. While you take a cold shower, use the product to clean your body. Because peppermint has a natural cooling and anti-inflammatory effect, it works to cool your skin when you get out of the shower.
7. Eat Light
   It may seem more obvious to steer clear of hot foods, but you should also avoid eating meals that are high in calories and protein. To process the food, your body’s metabolism and temperature rise. Conversely, fresh fruit, vegetables and cold salads are examples of light foods that help you stay cool.