Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning

No air conditioning? No problem! If the A/C is out, you don't have it or you're trying to save money on your energy bills, here are five ways to cool off without an air conditioner.

Keep a Spray Bottle in the Fridge

As important as it is to hydrate your body from the inside out, it's also nice to hydrate your skin from the outside in. I do this after working out outside. Fill up a spray bottle ($1 at Target and they come in fun colors!) and stick it in the fridge. Fun fact: If you pour weak green tea into the bottle, you can help your complexion at the same time as the antioxidants found in tea help keep your skin clear.

Place Ice Cubes on Your Pulse Points

Place it inside a washcloth first, and then hold it on the inside of your wrist or near the middle of your neck where you can feel your pulse. Doing this can supposedly lower your body temperature by three degrees! When it’s hot and you’re desperate, three degrees doesn’t sound like a lot, but it feels so good. If no ice cubes are readily available, run the tap until the water is as cold as possible and wrap the washcloth around your neck. If you're REALLY hot, wet the washcloth or small towel and place it in the freezer for ten to 15 minutes. Just don't forget about it or it will freeze to the inside.

Make a Wind Tunnel

I have a hard time sleeping at night if it’s too hot in the house. I used to live in a brick apartment building with no A/C and I discovered this tip to help you sleep at night. Make a "wind tunnel". Just run your top sheet in cold water and wring it out. Place a fan at the end of your bed, set it on high and cover yourself with the wet sheet. The air from the fan will keep the sheet cool; in turn keeping your body cool so you can get to sleep.

Soak Your Feet in Cold Water

Obviously, when you're at the pool or if you fill up the kiddie pool in the back yard, you can just dangle your feet in the water, but if that's not an option, a five gallon bucket on your deck accomplishes the same thing.

Wear a Wet Bandana

Those guys out paving the road or roofing your neighbor's house aren't trying to imitate Axl Rose, they're trying to cool off. I’ve done this after working outside. If you're afraid you may be mistaken for Axl, you can wear the bandana around your neck as a fashion statement.

How Do You Keep Cool?

Do you escape to the mall, movies or the beach? If you do plan on going outside, click HERE to learn how to prevent heat related illness and if you want to look cool while staying cool, click HERE.