Staying cool without an air conditioner can be a total lifesaver in summer because not all houses or rooms will have AC. If you do not have AC, then here are some useful tips to keep you cool this summer.

1. Block the Sun:

• Close blinds and curtains during the day, especially on windows facing the sun. Blackout curtains work best!
• Reflect sunlight with foil-lined cardboard or thermal curtains if you can.

2. Strategic ventilation:

• Open windows at night when it is cooler to let air flow through.
• Create a cross-breeze: open windows across from each other and place a fan to push the air out one side.

3. DIY cooling tricks:

• Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan blows cooler air.
• Dampen a sheet or towel and hang it in front of an open window. As air passes through, it cools down.

4. Adjust your body temperature:

• Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothing.
• Cool your pulse points (wrists, neck, elbows, ankles) with a cold cloth.
• Cold showers or even just soaking your feet in cold water  and you will feel refreshed.
• Practice Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) which helps to keep the body cool.

5. Smart cooking:

• Avoid turning on the oven or stove.
• Go for no-cooked meals like salads, sandwiches, buttermilk, lassi, smoothies.

6. Floor camping:

• Sleep on the floor if possible because hot air rises, cooler air is near the ground.
• Use lightweight cotton sheets and sleep with minimal covers.

7. Natural cooling aids:

• Houseplants like ferns, aloe vera, and areca palms naturally cool the air a little.
• Spray bottle with water mist over your skin.

8. Turn off the heat:

• Unplug devices when not in use. Electronics radiate heat even on standby.

Simple DIY “air conditioner” hacks you can try — super low effort, but they help:

1. Fan and Ice combo – This is a classic hack!

What you need: A fan, A shallow pan or bowl, Ice cubes (or frozen water bottles)

How to: Place the bowl of ice directly in front of the fan. The fan blows air over the ice, sending a chillier breeze toward you. Freeze water in large bottles like 2-liter soda bottles -they melt slower than loose ice.

2. Frozen towel trick

What you need: A clean towel, Water, Freezer

How to: Dampen the towel (do not soak). Fold and place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. Drape it over your shoulders, around your neck, or even hang it in front of a fan for a cooling curtain.

3. Wet sheet on the floor

What you need: Water, cotton bed sheets and a fan

How to: If you are sleeping on a cot this works well. And best is on cement flooring. Soak the bed sheets well and throw them on the floor. Run the ceiling fan. Water starts evaporating from the bedsheet creating cooling effect, you will sleep well.

4. Wet Sheet by the window

What you need: A bed sheet, Water, Open window

How to: Soak the sheet and wring it out a little so it is damp, not dripping. Hang it across an open window. As air passes through, it evaporates moisture and cools the room naturally.

Image credit: Image by Raad from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)