Working Up a Sweat? Here Are 6 Cool Ways to Beat The Heat

The dog days of summer are upon us.

Granted, Southeast Asia boasts a tropical climate all year-round but the months of April to August can get especially sweltering – with temperatures rising up to 38 degrees Celsius. While our first impulse would be to turn up the air-conditioner to full blast or seek refuge in the arctic confines of a shopping mall, there are other ways to brave the heat and stay cool at the same time.

Staying hydrated when it’s hot outside is a no brainer. But the warm weather is the perfect excuse to experiment and unleash your inner mixologist. On the menu? Refreshing beverages that’ll keep you cool, and your thirst quenched all day long. The choices are endless: cold-pressed fruit juices, healthy smoothies, cocktails, and even delicious milkshakes for the little ones.

You can also swap your usual hot beverages for a summer-friendly iced option like the T2 Chilled Tea. This gift pack contains a collection of loose-leaf tisanes packed with fruity notes of mangos, peaches, and strawberries. Simply brew and pair it with a jug-load of ice.

Can’t bear the thought of drinking an espresso on a hot day? A cup of cold brew coffee is a cool and delicious alternative to get your caffeine fix. To make it, add ground coffee to water and let it steep overnight. The next day, strain the coffee and serve it over ice to enjoy.

We all know the importance of getting your full eight hours of shut-eye every night. But on warm, muggy nights, restful slumber can sometimes be elusive. Bedtime accessories can make or break your sleep experience.

First and foremost: High-quality bedlinen. Opt for luxurious fabrics with a high thread count, such as silk, Egyptian cotton or Tencel, that promise softness and breathability while you snooze. The Oasis Living Luxury Bed Set offers the best of both worlds with Tencel™ fibers and Egyptian Cotton. Tencel fibers are absorbent, naturally cooling, and wick away moisture – making these sheets an ideal choice for hot sleepers in warm weather.  

If you want to upgrade your sleep experience, you can’t go wrong with Tempur. Not only does the Cloud Prima With Cooltouch™ Mattress offer weightless comfort and support (thanks to its space innovation developed by NASA), it also features a CoolTouch™ Technology. This keeps the mattress cool-to-the-touch and absorbs excess heat for a night of chilled, uninterrupted slumber.

The dress code du jour? Easy, breezy, and comfortable. Stow your skinny jeans, oversized sweat-shirts and other pieces of clothing that trap heat (and make you feel like a walking sauna). Instead, opt for attire that will keep you cool yet chic – think loose silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and quick-dry technology that keeps perspiration and odour at bay.

Like its name suggests, Yumi Active’s Breezy Harem Capri offers all-day comfort, thanks to its innovative, moisture-wicking miChill fabric that is designed to cool your body down by 1 to 2°C. For special occasions, dress up in the Asymmetrical Kaftan Cupro Jumpsuit from local womenswear label, R Y E. With its relaxed fit, soft fabric (made of breathable Tencel and Cupro), and asymmetrical sleeves, this elegant number is made for comfort and style.

While we may love our spicy curries, lip-tingling mala dishes, and sweat-inducing ramen, they are not exactly the ideal food options in this sweltering weather.

Switch to cooling foods with a high water content such as watermelon, tofu, mint, and leafy greens to keep you sated and hydrated.  Other delicious and refreshing options that don’t skimp on flavours? Chilled soups, poké bowls and – as a sweet treat – frozen yoghurt loaded with fruity toppings.

If the balmy weather has you feeling all hot and flustered, treat yourself to a spa day right in the comfort of your own home.

To recreate an invigorating cryotherapy facial, try the FOREO UFO 2. It features four innovative technologies in one nifty facial device, including quick-cooling Cryotherapy to shrink pores and reduce puffiness, and T-Sonic™ pulsations to massage and relax facial muscle tension points.

On days when your skin needs some TLC, try this quick and cooling skincare tip. Pop your stash of facial masks, like the Porcelain Hydrocare Bio Cellulose Mask, in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before applying onto your face.

If your home feels like a sauna, small changes can help bring the temperature down. For windows that get direct sunlight, use blackout curtains or blinds in a light colour – these will reflect the sun’s rays and keep the heat out.

Plants also make great decorative pieces to help create a homey atmosphere, while keeping your living space cool. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, many houseplants such as the money plant and bamboo palm absorb warm air, and release oxygen and cool moisture into their surroundings via the transpiration process.