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Living on Long Island during the dog days of summer can be a bit of a task. Even though all Heatherwood Luxury Rentals come equipped with air conditioning, it’s sometimes still a challenge to remain cool when you’re outside–or inside–during your busy work day. So, here are some of Heatherwood’s favorite ways to stay composed as things heat-up this summer.
Go Old School
Back in the ‘80’s one of the fun things to do (besides listening to your Sony Walkman) was to carry a portable, battery-operated, hand-held fan! These things worked great when you were out-and-about and couldn’t seek refuge to a room with an air conditioner or indoor fan. If you can still find one of these fun florescent colored gadgets, we highly recommend picking one up. In addition, a spray bottle full of cool water from your apartments tap can go a long way to help keep you cool! Spraying a gentle mist to the back of your neck and wrists every hour will help keep your temperature down when the thermometer hits 90+ degrees.
Travel Light
We know it is not always possible to dress appropriately for summer weather in New York. We also know it’s important to look–and feel–good at the same time. Here’s a tip! Wear lightweight, light-colored cotton clothes. Heat is trapped by synthetic fibers, but cotton absorbs perspiration and its evaporation assists in keeping you cool. The light colors also help reflect the sun’s rays. Stay away from black or dark colored clothing as they tend to absorb the sun’s rays and raise your body temperature. If that doesn’t help you can always escape to one of our private pools or air conditioned community centers.
You Are What You Eat
Altering your diet is not always something we are eager to do. After all, burgers and hot dogs on the grill are a summer staple. But, a good rule of thumb is to eat small meals and eat more often. The larger the meal you consume, the more heat your body tends to create. Your body works harder to break down big heavy meals. For more cooling pleasure, keep icy treats in the fridge like; frozen fruit, cucumbers, iced tea and best of all…good ole H2O! If you just can’t keep away from satisfying meals, go ahead and eat some spicy food. Curries and chilies can stimulate heat receptors in the mouth, enhance circulation and cause you to sweat, which cools the body down.
Lose the Lotion
Who doesn’t love a good moisturizer or lotion to help soften the skin and prevent over drying? But during the summer months it has been said that women should replace their usual body moisturizer with a cooling Aloe Vera based product. Aloe is a natural substance that helps your skin breathe, as opposed to–manufactured lotions–that tend to hinder your pores ability to shed perspiration. Using natural based products can go a long way to help lower your skins temperature.
Summertime Slumber
Is your air conditioner on the fritz? Here are some quick-tips for a cool nights sleep. Take a warm (not too hot, or too cold) bath or shower–especially before bedtime. Although a cold shower sounds more appealing, your body is more likely to generate heat after a cold shower to compensate for your bodies heat loss. Another tip; sleep on a feather or down pillow with a cotton pillowcase. Synthetic pillows are inclined to retain heat. Finally, we all love our favorite blankey or comforter, but during the summer it is smarter to sleep with a cooling satin sheet. Satin fabrics feel cooler and smoother and help keep you cool while you sleep
Close ‘em up!
Stop treating your apartment like a greenhouse! Whenever possible, always close your blinds, shutters or curtains. By simply closing your curtains or blinds you’ve done yourself a huge favor by blocking out the sun’s rays which is likely to heat up the interior of your apartment. Sun streaming in to your windows all day can raise the temperature by a few degrees—even with the air conditioner on! In addition, it may be tempting to open the windows in your apartment to feel the fresh summer breeze, but try to hold off from letting all that humid air inside. If you’re looking for fresh air, open your windows at night. Another trick; is to open all your closet and cabinet doors in the evening, although this is not pretty to look at, it really makes a difference in helping to cool your rooms.
If all else fails and you’re still hot and bothered, simply sit back, close your eyes and picture snow, or hum your favorite holiday song. Research has shown that the body reacts to the power of suggestion and really helps lower your body’s overall temperature. Who Knew!?!
Luxury apartments for rent can always be found at Heatherwood. We’ll help you choose the perfect Long Island or NYC locale and apartment that suits your lifestyle. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (631) 630-0051 or click here to contact us today.