We are experiencing unbearable heat every summer in India. It is expected that 2021 will be no different. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the summer season is expected to be warmer than usual over most regions of India except some southern states.
Kolkata weather is extremely humid in addition to being hot, and you need extra precaution to prevent yourself from dehydration and getting run down. Drinking adequate water as well as changing your lifestyle for this summer is essential.
We need to adapt to the unpalatable reality of hot summer which is almost on us.
Actually, we need a plan.
Let’s discuss what we can do to cope with the impending hot and humid summer days.
Make Your Home Summer-Ready
If there is one thing you must do at the onset of the summer, it is to make your home summer-ready.
Start with a proper servicing of the air conditioners. Air conditioner going out in a summer night is an extremely undesirable event. Also, get your refrigerator and water purifier properly checked and serviced if necessary.
Nearly 40% of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through windows. Using proper window coverings, curtains, and blinds play a vital role in cooling your home by reducing solar heat gain, which also means you’d have to run your AC less frequently.
Apply sun control film on the glass windows, especially on the windows which face the sun’s rays during midday. Sun control films will help to prevent the heat of sun to come into the room to a large extent while permitting the light to come in. This will keep your home cool. Plus, these also help minimise UV damage and glare.
De-clutter your home as much as possible as a cluttered room feels hot and stuffy. Change your draperies and upholstery to a cool light shade if possible. This is soothing to the eyes.
Another point to keep in mind is to change your lights. Those bright winter lights must give way to softer lights of summer. Use shades to minimize glare. Using LED options will also keep your electricity bill in check.
Add greenery on your balconies, window sills, and wherever possible. Plants give us a sense of coolness. You can also create a small garden on your balcony.
Wear Mostly Cotton Dresses
Sweating is generally high in Kolkata because of high humidity. Synthetic clothes prevent sweat from evaporating and increase discomfort.
In your wardrobe, there must be an adequate number of cotton dresses. Wear loose-fitting ones. Avoid dark colours and prefer pastel shades.
As far as possible, avoid going out in the harsh sun from 11 am to 4 pm. If you must, then use an umbrella, wear sunscreen, and carry a water-bottle. Take some tissues soaked in eau-de-cologne. Wiping your face and neck with the tissues will immediately refresh you.
Drink a lot of water before venturing out in the sun. In the case of a heatwave, protect your face and neck with a scarf. Being exposed to extreme heat during the summertime can drain out more than a litre of water in a short span of time. This sudden dehydration can lead to a fatal sunstroke. Immediately rush into an air-conditioned mall or ATM if you experience chest pain or feel dizzy while on the go. Splash water on your face and keep drinking ORS solution (a mixture of sugar, salt, and water) at regular intervals.
Change Your Diet
During summertime, our digestion becomes weaker and we must change our diet accordingly. Avoid drinking too much of tea or coffee and drink fruit juice instead. They also provide essential vitamins and salts.
Avoiding oily and spicy food is just another no-brainer. Eat fibre-rich non-spicy food as much as possible.
Nature has gifted us with enough options of fruits and vegetables to beat the summer heat. Fruits like mango, litchi, watermelon, musk melon, and vegetables like bottle gourd, pointed gourd (parwal), okra, pumpkin etc. are wonderful sources of water, vitamin, and minerals. Including these foods in your daily diet can help you stay refreshed, healthy, and energised.
Beverages like soft drinks and alcohol, besides being the carriers of empty calories, actually help dehydrate the body. A cooling drink of aam panna, jal jeera, lassi, watermelon juice, or green coconut water will not only provide nutrients, but they will also refresh you in no time.
However, summer is not just about heat and sweat, dehydration, or the pains of venturing outdoors. It’s also the season of vibrant colours, juicy fruits, and bright mornings. Embrace these cool tips to make this summer more comfortable for you and your family.
