Ready or not, summer is here and shinning bright on to all of our faces. As people living in the Middle East region, we don’t usually appreciate the sun unless it is wrapped in a blanket of clouds creating the perfect weather. The sun can get quite harsh especially during lunch hours and most of us cannot avoid stepping out at this time and so we all have been there.

However, let this summer be different. Here is a quick list of things that you can do to conquer the Summer heat!

  1. Weekend at the Beach:

Summer and beach are like two sides of the same coin, they always go together! If you have been waiting for the cold to die down so you can finally hit the waves, here is your chance. Summer has only started and the beaches haven’t really started filling up, yet! A smarter thing to do would be taking a day off because the crowd maybe crazy from Thursday through Saturday as everyone is free.

  1. Sunscreen on the go:

If you are among the responsible individuals who use sunscreen regularly, this one’s for you. Buying travel size sunscreen bottles can become an expensive affair since you use them often when you are out and they are tiny amounts to begin with. Instead, just buy a regular sized Sunscreen bottle and transfer some into a travel size plastic bottle that you can buy from stores like Daiso for less than 10qr. Smart save!

  1. Perfume on the go:

With the heat rising, you are bound to sweat more often and eventually stink. But don’t worry, we have got you covered. Travel size spray bottles are also a thing, if you didn’t know. Just transfer some of your favourite perfume into the spray bottle and keep it in your bag. While carrying a roll on deodorant is one option, you may not be able to easily use them in public spaces without looking funny. The perfume spray bottle hack is a very public friendly option. Try it!

  1. Avoid chapped lips:

If you are too busy and often remember that your lips are chapped only when you reach for that gorgeous matte lipstick, then you are not alone. Apply lip balm to your lips before you go to bed. Keep the lip balm near your bed or in the washroom, wherever you will spot it as you go about your bedtime routine. This will make sure that your lips stay ready to be matte and velvety!

  1. Stay Hydrated:

 

Everyone knows that staying hydrated is the key to good health, skin and hair. But it’s easier said than done. Somehow, most of us just forget to drink water. So here’s what to do. Download a water reminder app if your phone organizer doesn’t already come with such a provision. Assign reminders for every 2 hours and voila, you will have a friend to remind you to stay hydrated every day!

  1. Cool refreshment on the go:

If you love munching on cold snacks once you get home from the hot sun, but carbs are your enemy, here’s a tip for you. Dice and pit watermelon into tiny bite sized cubes and separate them into zip lock bags and toss them in the fridge. These will later become your cold and sweet, guilt-free snacks!

  1. Shoe saver:

Many of us are opting for shoes that cover our feet completely as a way to escape those ugly tan lines. But prolonged use of shoes in the heat results in sweaty feet and stinky shoes! Fear not, we have a hack for you. Before you toss the shoe into the rack, put a dry tea bag or one of those silicone pouches that come with brand new shoes(save them now onwards). These will absorb any extra moisture and eventually remove the smell.

  1. Quick face lift:

After a hot day in the sun, you definitely feel the skin on your face taking the toll. Walk into the kitchen ad grab any citrusy fruit. A slice of lemon or orange will do just fine. Rub it directly onto your face and spread the juice all over. Wait 10 minutes and wash it off. If you keep the lemons in the fridge beforehand, this would be the most refreshing part of your day.

  1. Plan around the sun:

After living in Qatar for long enough, we now know when the sun is at its highest points and when it is much more bearable. If your lunch hours at work are fixed, order delivery. If you are already outside, dine in instead of take out and driving that much longer in the sun. Plan your meet up with friends after 4pm or before 1pm, for example. Plan around the sun and your tolerance levels, it’s better than getting home with a bad headache.

  1. Lower the heat inside out:

On particularly high temperature days, watch out what you eat. Eating very spicy foods can increase your body temperatures and cause a melt-down. Instead opt for food and drinks that will keep your body cool. Better safe than sorry.

We hope you found these hacks useful. Share it with that one friend who complaints about summer a lot!

Written by Adithya Nair

Adithya is an Electronics engineering graduate who embarked on her artistic journey in her final year of college. From co-founding a handmade gifts company to being placed on the leader board of Zomato, she explores every facet of her life eagerly. She shares her paintings, poetry and blogs on her social media and is an artist in the making. Follow her on Instagram @artbyadithyanair.