Bonitas Member Magazine B-Living Issue 4

Keep cool this summer The joys of summertime are many: family vacations, outdoor activities, ice cream cones and days spent frolicking on the beach, to name just a few. But those clear, blue skies can ring in a downside once the sun goes down: steamy, hot nights that make it hard to sleep. Take advantage of the following tips to feel refreshed. Change your bedding When summer temperatures skyrocket, you’ll sleep much better underneath a lightweight duvet – especially if you live in a very hot area like KwaZulu-Natal or Limpopo. You can also forgo the duvet all together and opt for cotton sheets instead. Turn a hot water bottle into a cooling device Typically, a hot water bottle holds hot water. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fi lled with chilly stuff instead, turning it into a perfectly-sized cooling accessory. Simply store your water-fi lled rubber bottle in the fridge for a few hours and then you can use it to cool your feet, behind your knees or under your neck – which will help your entire body feel cooler. Eat light Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefi t, you won’t have to cook next to a hot stove. Good options include salads, watermelon, cucumber, grilled chicken and fi sh. Wear the right clothing Wear loose-fi tting clothing, preferably in a light colour, to keep cool. The less fabric you actually have touching your body, the more comfortable you will feel. Choose B-Living Issue 4, 2017 natural fabrics where possible. Cotton, for example, is more breathable than other fabrics. It’s also better at absorbing sweat and dries faster. Invest in a bedside fan You need a breeze to really feel comfortable on a humid night and opening your windows is not an option with all the mosquitos. A small bedside fan is the solution. Perched on your nightstand, a portable fan is the perfect way to direct the breeze right where you need it. But stick with a small fan for bedtime use. This will provide you with a pleasant stirring of the air, not a wind tunnel directed at your sleeping face. Go old-school Make a DIY air conditioner by positioning a shallow pan or bowl (a roasting pan works nicely) full of ice in front of a fan. The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist. Turn off the lights Light bulbs (even environmentally-friendly ones) give off heat. Take advantage of natural light as much as possible, and keep rooms cool after dark by using lights minimally or not at all. Consider opting for strategically placed citronella candles to add some light to your home and keep mosquitos away too. Page 14

Bonitas Member Magazine B-Living Issue 4 | Page 15