If you live in Ohio, you likely are not quite used to this weather. To sum it up, I cried tears of joy when it was 83 degrees on my walk home from work. Here in Cincinnati, we have been under Excessive Heat Warnings and Watches for at least the last two or three weeks, and I absolutely hate every second of it. If you're like me and can't stand the heat and being in a pool of your own sweat and sunblock, but you need things to do, here's what has helped me survive the depths of heatwave hell.
1. Staying inside and switching it up.
I don't recommend staying inside your home the entire summer, so if you want an affordable way to get out of the house and stay cool, I always recommend a library or a coffee shop. Libraries are free and usually have plenty of seats open, many books, and lots of air conditioning. It's quiet and relaxing. Even if you do not like coffee, you can still go to coffee shops and enjoy a smoothie or other non-coffee alternative. Plus, you can meet with friends at either location or at home. Just stay indoors. It's too hot.
2. Get Some Writing Done
You can stay in or be outside while you're writing whether that's on a computer or on a physical piece of paper. You can't go wrong either way. You get to be creative and you feel a sense of accomplishment with each word, chapter, section, etc. that you write.
3. Phone/video calls with family and friends
You can call your loved ones from anywhere with technology. Whether you Facetime, Facebook video chat, or just have an over-the-phone conversation or simply text message, make sure to keep in touch with those who care about you and the other way around. That way, you can stay cool at the mall, home, coffee shops, etc. and still socialize to some degree.
4. Video games...lots of video games
Summertime is prime time for many video game sales along with near the holiday season. Whether you're on team Xbox, team Playstation, team Switch, or team PC, there are plenty of games up for sale, pre-owned and new. On the recent Steam sale, a website geared towards PC gaming, I was able to get games that are usually up to $30 each for $15 or under. With trophies and achievements across platforms, video games give you goals and you feel a sense of accomplishment with each completed task. Plus, if you have a laptop or a Nintendo Switch, then you can take your games on the go which is a bonus.
5. Catch up on shows or start a new one
Whether you're watching Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now/Go, or even Youtube, there will always be something new, but it always seems like there is much more to watch in the summer because it's too hot to do anything else. Right now, I'm watching The Staircase, season two of Luke Cage, and season 13 of Supernatural. If you've wanted to watch a show or movie and haven't yet, now is the time before fall kicks in and you get too busy to do anything. It's well worth it. Just make sure to take a walk or make food since self-care is too important.
6. Read a book or graphic novel
Pro Tip: If you have Amazon Prime and some kind of E-Reader, even the one on your computer, you have access to many, many free and cheap books to read virtually. If you still prefer the physical book, you can snag some books, head inside, stay on your porch, or head off to the beach, and you still have plenty of entertainment. I always have my Fire tablet nice and charged so that I can get some reading in a couple of times a week. Same thing with graphic novels although you usually have to pay a hair more for them. Comics are always a good time as well. Go on an adventure from the comfort of your couch.
7. Pool days and beach days!
Whether you're having a cook out with family and enjoy hanging out in a kiddie pool (or a full pool) or go to a full community pool, it surely doesn't hurt to take the edge off the heat with a nice dip in cool water. Go to a water park for the day. Go hang out at a beach or by the riverside. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunblock!
8. Take more hours on at work.
The last thing many of us want is to work more when it's nice out. However, if you're like me and you work during the afternoon when the sun is at its peak and it feels like literal soup outside, then you really don't mind taking on the extra hours. Think about it. If you work inside, you can avoid the harsh heat and you make money. That could go towards the water park trip or new video games in the past couple of points. Again, only if you're able to and don't mind working extra. If you work outside, then that's still up to you!
9. Spending time outside at night
If you are sensitive to the sun or the heat, look for things to do at night even if it's just sitting outside with your friends or cooking out. You can get a bonfire set up or light up sparklers. You can also go out or go see a movie. Whatever you want to do! Many communities have movies or concerts in the park usually for free as well. Here in Cincinnati, for example, Washington Park has plenty of free concerts and a summer movie series that everyone can come out to and hang out at with plenty of nearby restaurants and food. No matter where you're at, you can always sit outside and watch the sunset.
Overall, heatwaves completely suck, but your summer doesn't have to suck. There are plenty of things to do with your friends, family, and not suffer in a pool of your own sweat.
