This Could Be the Hottest Season, So How Can Keep Your Cool
If this is a normal (or pre-pandemic) season, you're in the midst of TV reruns. You will frolic in the pool, with your friends, every Wednesday. And you would pay little attention to the statues of America's forefathers. But the pandemic changed everything. How to keep your cool?
The economy is reopening gradually, but you don't see positive signs. There will be fewer students this fall, and it's hard to tell if it's due to the challenges of remote learning or President Donald Trump banning international students. You can't tell if wearing a face mask is a must. (If you don't think it's necessary, then check out the recent happenings in Atlanta. France's Tiafoe competed in the All-American Team Cup, a tennis exhibition event, organized by John Isner, America's top-ranked player. Tiafoe, whose highest ATP singles ranking was 29, was Covid-19 positive after his match against Sam Querrey.) And going out of the house could be a huge gamble. The warm weather makes it ideal for going out, but the last few months open your eyes. For instance, the tragic death of George Floyd made you wondered about some statues of America's forefathers (like Abraham Lincoln Emancipation statue in Boston). Is it necessary to remove it? Political correctness may be most appropriate during this time, yet it would be sensible to let time and the elements (and neglect) turn these statues into unimportant, if not most forgotten, items. It would be foolish to put a face mask on it, a trend that started after Queen Victoria's face was nearly covered. Your buddies become interested in books written by black authors (other than Toni Morrison), but you're not interested. You rather daydream about a tornado that would bring you to Oz, where the Scarecrow would advise you that knowledge is gained from the life experiences you accumulate through the years. Alas, the Emerald City is located somewhere in California. It's one of the states with the highest number of COVID-infected individuals. This is a crisis.
You heard your parents talk about America's triumphant stories of innovation and mobilization, which you hardly see these last few months. Many Americans may not like being uncomfortable, and this summer would show. It's not about Independence Day without the round of celebrations, but rather how to beat the summer heat. It's more challenging, as there's no sight of pre-pandemic times (despite the reopening of museums, gyms, and theaters). You need to keep your cool, as you must relish the remainder of the summer (while getting rested for the fall semester).
Avoid the Meltdown: 5 Ways to Beat the Heat
Get used to the heat. You have found out that poor ventilation would contaminate the individual(s) in closed space(s). Then again, not everyone can afford an air-conditioner. A public pool is not an option, and you don't want to be outside from 11 AM to 3 PM. If you're sick and tired of Netflix, read a book during those hours. ("Moses, Man of the Mountain" would be a good suggestion.) If you're impatient about the start of the term, then you can learn about the other universities' handling of the pandemic. Is it different from yours? If it does, figure out if it would worry you. Talk to your tutor, if not your coursemate(s). It should make you forget about the heat (for a moment).
This is how to get a good night's sleep. If you're still struggling with sleep, then you overlook a few things. You didn't keep the curtains closed until 6 PM. You didn't open the window after sunset. And you might be sleeping upstairs. (Try downstairs.) It also helps if you turn off your gadgets at night time. It should keep you from sleeping late, and you know how lack of sleep can affect your mood the following day. Not that you can afford to stay up late, but you don't want to miss the cool breeze in the early evening.
Sunscreen is OK, but the shade is best. Licking ice cream won't prevent sunburn, so you need seven teaspoons of sunscreen. (Two on your arms and legs, two on the front of your body and your back, one on your neck, and one on your face.) Sunscreen will delay the damage, so go out if you have urgent business. Then again, the pandemic should make you think twice (and plan better).
How to keep your inner child happy. You need lots of fluids. Early morning is the best time to sweat it off. (Early evening has its upside, cool air among it, but you would sleep late. You may not keep this routine during the fall.) You also have to take a cold shower, where it would be a good idea to spend a longer time than usual. It should cause less discomfort during the hottest hours. If you use a fan, then it would be best to place it in front of your window. It would let the cool air in. (Try it before you go to sleep.) And you can indulge in ice cream or glass of (cold) soda.
Undress. You're not working, and you're not even sitting in front of the computer screen (for a Zoom meeting). You surely need to remove your socks, but think twice about the other items of clothing. If you do want to remove your other clothes, then make sure that it would be within arm's reach. You don't want your parent (or sibling) coming in unannounced.
Change Your Waking Hours
You can forget what your read and try to change your waking hours. The hottest hours must prompt you to seek rest, if not loaf during this period. And it's not a waste of time (as you think at first). If you don't feel like doing anything, reading included, then think of the hard work you did during the previous term. If you plan your week, then you know that you must be most productive during the early evening. If you must go out, then you must bring something to cover your nose and mouth.
It wouldn't be too much to bring a face mask, if not a scarf. You're doing others a huge favor (by not infecting them.) And it may not be good enough. (Don't forget your shades.) Salons and barbershops are open (and it's not cool to be a COVID werewolf). If you're not a constant gardener, then don't think of having a pot of (any) plant in your room. Your mother won't like additional chores. And watching 22 seasons of "Survivor" is not a summer strategy.
