We hurry inside, turn up the air conditioning, pull down the blinds, and wait for the heatwave to pass. If this sounds like a familiar routine, you're certainly not alone! We completely understand that prioritizing your health amidst a heatwave is paramount.

So, what if we found a few practices to help ease the intensity of a 35ºc heatwave? As we learned in the fall, staying comfortable throughout the seasons can be found in places than extend beyond your thermostat. 

1. Hydrating Tonics

One of the best and undeniably important ways to keep cool is to stay hydrated. 

Drinking water is of course, the best way to do so, but in the midst of a heatwave, we like to reach for a homemade hydrating tonic. It's easy to make in a pinch, as it uses ingredients we almost always have on hand. Plus, it tastes delicious! 

Ingredients 

2 cups water (or 1 cup water with 1 cup coconut water) 

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (optional) 

Directions 

Squeeze and pour the orange and lemon juice into your preferred pitcher. Sprinkle in sea salt, then add your honey (maple syrup or agave nectar work wonderfully too!). Give the ingredients a stir, allowing the salt and honey to begin to dissolve. 

Top up with water and stir until the honey and salt have fully dissolved. Serve over ice and enjoy! 

2. Waterworks 

Whether you live near the ocean, or if you're nestled in a landlocked urban centre, connecting with water has an instantly cooling effect. 

If you can, plan for a beach day. Wade into the water and let the waves cool you off from head to toe. If that isn't an option for you, take the kids to a nearby splash pad or, set up a sprinkler on the lawn for you and your neighbours. Speaking from experience, the nostalgia and playfulness of frolicking through the sprinkler all afternoon are enough to provide soothing relief from the summer heat. 

3. Plant Your Feet

Pack up your favourite picnic blanket, fill a canteen with cold water (or your homemade hydrating tonic), grab that summer read by your bedside table, and head to the park to find a spot in the shade. 

The grounding effect of sitting in the grass is both cooling and connective. 

4. Keep it Simple

When the temperatures drop, we tend to crave warm, slow cooked meals. But when they rise, we crave fresh meals with minimal prep time. We don't make the rules, we just follow them to the farmer's market for local ingredients to bring these meals to life! 

Lean into fresh summer salads with grilled corn, heirloom tomatoes, and avocado; serve creamy burrata with fresh stone fruits drizzled with local honey and topped with herbs from the garden; simple pasta salads with fresh basil, a sumptuous vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes. Let simplicity shine this summer - you won't regret it! 

5. Cool Comforts

Subtle, soft, summertime comforts can help keep your house feeling cool and fresh. May we suggest: 

Exchanging your heavy wool blankets for lightweight cotton throws. Drape them across your sofa or the foot of your bed for a refreshing look that still feels inviting to snuggle up with. 

Swap your simmer pots for a gentle oil diffuser. Lean into fresh, invigorating essential oils like eucalyptus, mint, grapefruit, and jasmine. 

Try incorporating a splash of colour around the house for a visual refresher. We love turning to the table to achieve this, setting it with bright pops of pattern and refreshing glassware. 

Keep fresh flowers around the house in places you know you won't overlook. Flowers help keep your home and self feeling fresh, calm, and inspired. 

6. Take It Easy

During a heatwave, it can feel a bit like nature's way of reminding us to slow down - while we remain mindful these extremes are also a sign of the times. All the more reason to pause, savour the moment, and enjoy as best you can. 

How do you like to keep cool during a heat wave?