Last week brought with it the return of Zululand’s heat and the dreaded return of Eskom’s load-shedding (despite promises that we would be safe for at least a few more weeks). And if, like me, you are without a pool, then keeping cool can be quite tricky when load-shedding is involved, particularly at night.
Somehow that midnight to 2am load-shedding time slot is worse because you just can’t sleep in the heat.
Fortunately, I’ve got you covered with some handy tips for tackling the heat and surviving load-shedding.
Freezer sheets
This will take some planning ahead of the schedule, but you can start by placing your linen in the freezer (in packets so as not to end up with frozen pizza sheets). Then, when Eskom hits the switch, you grab your freezer sheets and enjoy the refreshing feeling! Place a few in at a time as the coolness won’t last too long.
Hot water bottle
Stay with me now… instead of using boiling water, fill the bottle with tap water and place it in the freezer ahead of load-shedding. You now have a lovely bed-friendly ice pack!
Cool the pulse
By cooling your pulse points, you will quickly cool the rest of your body. Place ice packs on your wrists, neck, elbow, groin, ankles and behind your knees. It’s a balancing act, but it works!
Dress the part
If you’re not one for sleeping au naturelle, then make sure your pyjamas are made from a light, breathable fabric such as cotton or bamboo. Better yet, put them in the freezer before load-shedding kicks in for some next-level cool.
Go low
You’ve undoubtedly learnt, at some point, that hot air rises, so to beat the heat, you need to go low. Put a mattress on the ground, go to the basement – anything to avoid the hot air up there.
Wet windows
Soak a sheet in cool water and then hang it in front of the open window. If you’re lucky enough to have a breeze, it will blow through the wet sheet and cool the room. Just remember to use a lightweight sheet and not something that will block the breeze entirely.
Take over the bed
Tell all dogs, cats and spouses to find their own space tonight because the bed is yours! Fewer bodies means less body heat. You can then spread out across the entire bed and cool down quickly.
Go al fresco
Finally, if all else fails, go outdoors and take advantage of the cool night breeze. If you have a hammock, this is the best way to survive load -shedding on those hot summer nights!
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
