Beat the heat in desi style!
“Uff… ye garmi !”
In the recent days we have been seeing a trend of soaring temperature levels in India, especially in the eastern areas, with temperatures averaging up to 36°C. Cities, especially, are the worst hit with temperatures nearing 40°C. So, living in such an environment means playing with fire (pun intended). But we don’t have much choice, do we? Not everyone of us can flock to Sikkim or Shimla. So, how do we handle all this heat? Well, allow me to unveil some live-saving, economic hacks that will help cope the scorching heat and at the same time limit carbon emission.
Hack No. 1: Open all the outlets, windows, etc.
The most rudimentary, yet important step, should be to open all the sources of air regulation inside the house. We all know that human beings inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide that we exhale builds up over time. This buildup of carbon dioxide should be accordingly expelled. So, every mobile outlets should be opened in order to allow for free-flow of fresh air. One simple thing to remember from our science classes is to not let greenhouse effect to take place. For instance, if you have glass panels at home, do not ever expose them to sunlight while they are shut. Flung open them or curtain them.
Hack No. 2: Drink adequate water
Drinking water is very essential to keep our body cool both from the inside and the outside. Water hydrates our cells and helps to expel salt, which is a preservative and a drying agent. Water also helps in cooling our body by evaporation through sweat glands. Water checks the waste buildup in our kidneys and prevents stone formation.
Hack No. 3: Wear cotton clothes
Science 101 again! Most people would generally prefer bare skin at home. But, if bare skin is not your type then opt for light cotton clothes. Cotton is a natural fiber with a breathable weave that allows air to circulate around the body. This airflow helps to keep the body cool by allowing heat and moisture to evaporate from the skin. Cotton also absorbs all the sweat that our body oozes and makes it easy for evaporation.
Hack no 4: Take a shower at regular intervals
Since water has a cooling effect, taking shower is an instant relief. Our body expels salt along with sweat which might form a sticky layer blocking sweat pores. By taking a shower we can shed off all these unwanted waste particles from our body. After a shower use talcum powder to cover your body. Talcum powder is known for it’s excellent moisture-absorbing capabilities. When applied to the skin, it helps absorb sweat and excess moisture, keeping the skin dry and reducing friction. This can create a sensation of cooling.
Hack No. 5: Inundate the terrace with water
This hack will only be applicable to those households who have a terrace. Take a garden pipe, or a bucket of water, or anything at your disposal that can carry water. Release water directly on to the terrace ground generously. What this does is that the water will evaporate with the help of the heat accumulated in the terrace ground consuming up the heat and bringing a cooling effect. This hack will lead to an immediate cooling of the whole house.
Hack No. 6: Keep indoor plants
While not a direct contributor, keeping certain plants may also help reduce gas build up inside the house. Plants like Snake Plant (Sansevieria) are known for their air-purifying qualities and their ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, making them great for improving indoor air quality. While the name may give chills, Spider Plant (Chrolophytum comosum) is a type of plant that is generally kept indoors. They are effective at removing formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds from the air, contributing to healthier indoor environment.
So, there you go! These were some eco-friendly hacks that one can employ to get rid of the extreme heat that is messing with our body and mind alike.
