The summer is here and how! The moment you step out, you begin to sweat. The sweltering heat, the hot breeze and the unquenchable thirst; together all of these make up for a very uncomfortable 2-3 months. And if you live in a coastal area like Mumbai, don’t forget to add the horrible humidity to the list too!

Here’s a list of some easy ways to beat the heat this summer. Most of these are simple, effective and also inexpensive.

• Block out the sun by using blinds and curtains in the late morning and afternoon. Many people fail to realize it, but doing this can reduce the heat trapped in your house by as much as 45%.

• Drink a cup of hot tea or coffee. Contrary to what most people think, hot drinks are more effective in cooling down the body as compared to cold drinks.

• Planting trees and shrubs strategically can reduce the heating effects of the sun to a great extent.

• Cross ventilation is very effective in cooling down a room and can be achieved by opening two windows on the opposite sides of a room.

• Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan. As the ice melts and evaporates, the air circulated by the fan will become much cooler than before. You now have a homemade air-conditioner that doesn’t cost a lot.

• Avoid spicy, hot and heavy foods during the hot months. Too hot or too spicy food makes the heat worse and makes you sweat much more.

• Hang a wet sheet in the open window in the night for instant air-conditioning free of cost.

• If using an AC, use it in tandem with a ceiling fan for better cooling and circulation of air. Also shut the doors and windows of your room when you turn on the AC.

• Get a nice haircut. Not only can you walk around with your new look, you also become more cool and comfortable with short hair.

• Cool down in the night before going to bed with a cool shower.

• If you live in a location where power cuts trouble you day and night, it would be worthwhile to invest in a power generator or a rechargeable inverter.