MY LIFE: 5 ways I keep cool in the summer

Anyone with a chronic illness knows a common symptom is the “constant fever” and inability to regulate your own temperature. So while we suffer in the cold, the summer isn’t always a picnic either. What to do to ward off a flare because of the heat?

Here’s what I use/do:

1. A cooling towel – This is the one I use. It’s only $7.99 (at time of post publication) and it works quite well. Especially at night, I’ll put it on the parts of me I just can’t cool down enough to sleep. I rarely have to re-wet it, but if I do, it’s no biggie. Just run it under cold water, wring out, and voila! I most often put it around the back of my neck, on my forearms, and on my lower legs/feet, but your mileage may vary.
2. Drinking enough – Nothing complicates heat problems faster than being dehydrated. I drink water – infused or just plain, Bai5, Diet Raspberry Snapple, and, I admit, Pepsi. I know, I know. Caffeine and sugar: bad. But I’ve got bigger fish to fry than beating myself up for drinking a Pepsi every day or two.
3. Ceiling fan – Worth its weight in gold. If nothing else, it keeps the air moving, which seems to help keep me cooler. I actually use mine year-round since I’m so hot in bed no matter the season.
4. Keep using my crockpot – For some reason, many people equate the crockpot with winter, but it’s a godsend in the summer since it doesn’t heat up your kitchen. We all know crockpot cooking rocks – it’s so easy, and if you’re wilting in the summer heat, pull out your crockpot rather than using your range.
5. Loose, breathable clothing – I wear a lot of capris and sundresses in the summer. If I’m inside, alone, I often wear only a long t-shirt. Why wear more than I have to if no one is going to see me anyway?

This is a very basic list. There are lots of other things you can try – cooling pillows, portable fans, bandanas, and more. What do you use? Tell me in the comments!