This European heatwave has been going on for weeks and shows no signs of abating. It’s really wearing me down. Any tips for staying cool when you don’t have air conditioning? I’ve tried the whole shutting the windows and blinds thing they recommend but that just makes it worse. I already feel uncomfortably hot at the best of times as a side effect of my medication. So an actual heatwave on top is literal torture. It’s so bad in the UK that supermarket refrigerators have stopped working due to the heat, and the news says its going to be the longest heatwave in 50 years.
my tip is to open the windows and the doors and wear light weight clothes. we sweat and thats a huge advantage. its not just the heat to be wary about but heatstroke/sunstroke and sunburn. cover your head with a hat. apply sun screen if you stay out in the sun even indoors. drink water and high water content fruits and veggies like cucumbers, watermelon and yogurt. keep ice in the freezer. dont take cold showers because they can be uncomfortable. instead take showers with normal temperature and rinse with cold water at the end. its not just physical but also psychological. its important to vent and complain, isolation makes it harder to bear.