It's typical. We spend all year wishing for sunshine, but when it arrives, we realise it's not quite the same when we aren't by a swimming pool or have air conditioning in our bedrooms. This summer, the heat is reaching record-breaking heights.
The Met Office has said temperatures could reach 43 degrees Celcius across the nation on Sunday 17 July, which would make it the hottest day ever recorded in the UK. It's worth trying to get your hands on the best fans [1] to help keep you cool, stock up on the best sunscreens [2], and get to researching the best beaches in the UK [3], but let's be real for a second: when it's this hot, it can be seriously uncomfortable; not to mention, sleeping becomes a nightmare.
If you're looking to beat the heat, it's time to get creative. Read ahead to find some of the most effective hacks to keep you cool this summer.
How to Keep Cool During the Summer: Freeze a Hot-Water Bottle
Your hot water bottle is your best friend during the summer, but not in the way that you'd think. Fill your hot-water bottle up with cool water, and stick it in the freezer for a few hours before you want to use it. You can either stick the bottle on your lap while you work or relax, or tuck it in between your bedsheets as you get ready to hit the hay. We love the YUYU [4] (£45) bottles for this because they're super long so will cool down your bed more efficiently.
How to Keep Cool During the Summer: Wear Pyjamas
We know, we know, the last thing you want to do during a heatwave is put your cosy pyjamas on. But wearing natural fibres like cotton can help you cool down by wicking away sweat from you skin. Pyjamas for the win! Whatever you do though, don't wear jammies made of manmade or synthetic material. These will keep heat right next to your skin and raise your body temperature.
How to Keep Cool During the Summer: Put a Bucket of Ice Next to Your Fan
Fans are an essential weapon to keep in your arsenal during the British summer. These precious gadgets blow cold air across your skin, helping sweat to evaporate faster and keeping you cool. But have you ever thought your fan just isn't cool enough? In this case, you can stick a bucket of ice or bottles of frozen water in front of your fan. As the air from the fan passes over the ice, it will cool down and circulate cool air around the room. Magical.
How to Keep Cool During the Summer: Close Your Windows and Blinds
To close your windows or not to close your windows: that is the question. In a heatwave, the best thing to do is to keep your windows and blinds closed during the day. That's because it's likely to be hotter outside than it is inside, and you want to prevent hot air and sunlight from getting into your home. At nighttime, you can open your windows to let the cooler air filter through your house. Makes a lot of sense, right?
How to Keep Cool During the Summer: Freeze Your Sheets
This one might sound a little mad, but freezing your sheets could be the key to a great night's sleep during a heatwave. Pop your sheets in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer for 10 minutes before you go to bed. Presto, you've got refreshingly cool sheets!
How to Keep Cool During the Summer: Have a Warm Bath
Stay with us. Yes, we really are recommending you take a warmish bath or shower when it's warm outside. You might be tempted to soak yourself in cold water, but don't. Cold water will actually make you warmer because your body will try to regulate your core temperature and unintentionally make you warmer. A lukewarm shower or bath will prevent this from happening, as long as you don't let the bathroom get too steamy. The same goes for drinking hot drinks, too. Cup of tea, anyone?