This week it is going to be ridiculously hot. Whether you’re still on holidays or back at work, at some stage you’re going to need to beat the heat. Here are a couple of ideas to keep you cool, calm and collected.
1. Go to the movies.
Choc-top ice-creams, giant cups of soft drink filled with ice. AIR CONDITIONING! There’s no better way of escaping the blistering heat than heading to the safe and cool darkness of a movie theatre. Head over to Palace Electric and check out plenty of the Oscar favourites including American Hustle, Gravity and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
2. Swim!
It’s easy to forget how beautiful Manuka Pool really is. With gorgeous green grasses, a new café and the heritage-listed art deco detailing, it’s a delight to see what ‘baths’ looked like 100 years ago. If you’re looking for a little less sun, jump under the roof at the Civic Pool, or keep to the shady parts of the Dickson Aquatic Centre. Just don’t forget to Slip! Slop! and Slap!
3. Shopping.
Retreat to one of the big malls in Tuggeranong, Woden, the City or Belconnen and spend the hot part of the day perusing next season’s stylings without breaking a sweat. If the escalators (or sale prices) get the blood pumping, have a rest and enjoy a bit of downtime in the food court.
4. Stay still.
Energy = heat = sweatiness. Why not just close all the curtains, turn on a reading light and open that book you promised yourself you’d read this year? If you’re feeling slightly more ‘visual’ throw on a DVD or start watching a series such as Gossip Girl, The Sopranos or Game of Thrones. It will be sunset before you know it! Check out ACT Libraries for more air conditioning and all the DVDs you need.
5. Take it head-on.
If you really want to show how tough you are in the face of the coming heatwave, sit yourself down to a good, spicy-hot meal. The chilli will make you sweat, and the resulting sweat will cool your body down. Why do you think most curries come from hot climates? Your science teacher would have explained it as the ‘latent heat of evaporation’, but we like to think of it as the kick-arse way to get cool on a hot day. Just be sure to be near a breeze or fan.
If the curry doesn’t work, try an iced chrysanthemum tea. It’s well known to help an overheating body and is wonderfully refreshing.
Stay cool!
