GON Reader Question
Hi Maria,
For me, summer is never a relaxing season. It, rather, makes me busy and tired. Here in Japan, it is very humid, like 90% humidity. I need to change my clothes after a shower several times a day...as I walk my dog twice a day, or when I do gardening and/or housechores. I do not have A/C.
I run the washer at least one cycle each day. In order to avoid food poisoning or odor, I sanitize kitchen appliances, the garbage bin, and the fridge,
etc. more often than other seasons.
Bottom line is, summer has so many "extras" in daily life and it's hard to start to do the real important things. I would appreciate any advice.
--Akemi Akita,
Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Maria's Response
Hi Akemi,
Thanks for sharing your question. I run the air conditioner a lot in the summer because I
cannot stand being outside in high humidity and not having the luxury of cooler, drier air once I'm back in my house. Have you considered getting yourself an air conditioner? Even one installed in one room, and only powered up when truly needed, may be helpful and budget-wise.
Otherwise, here are some other suggestions for staying cool during the high summer heat...as well as getting your tasks done.
1. Think early morning and late evening. Since the temperatures tend to be cooler during the morning and evening hours, consider doing any of your outdoor chores (gardening and such) in the early morning or late evening. It will help you avoid the peak heat of the day and reduce fatigue.
Can you take your dog for a walk during these hours as well...and maybe allow your pooch a quick run into the yard to do his business during the hottest part of the day?
2. Invest in some cooling products. A portable fan or cooling towels can help you cope with the heat.
Perhaps wear a sunhat when you walk your dog so you don't have the sun beating down on you. In doing so, you may not need those extra showers after
all. 3. Create a cooler living space. Use light-colored curtains to reflect heat, open windows during the cooler hours, and use fans strategically to improve airflow.
4. Find ways to streamline your TO DOs during summer...
a. If you do need more than one shower, reuse the towel.
b. Wear light colored clothing, so you don't have to separate light clothing from dark...hopefully helping you to wash everything in one load.
c. Grill out when you can so
you don't have to spend tons of time sanitizing indoor appliances.
d. Eat lots of salad...less pots and pans to wash...and healthy!
e. Buy and store less perishable food so it's quicker to disinfect the fridge shelves...the less crowded your fridge is, the faster and easier it is to clean it.
5. Stay hydrated. With the humidity being high, it's crucial to stay hydrated,
both for feeling less tired, more energized, and for your general health and well-being as well. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Infuse it with fruit for a refreshing, healthy beverage.
6. Schedule time for the "important things." Finally, you mentioned that it's hard to start the important things. Everything you mentioned, is important, of course, but I'm assuming you meant time to focus on your goals and such...which is imperative as well. Because time can be eaten up quickly by day-to-day tasks.
The best way to start on what you consider to be your important things is to schedule time in your calendar, just like you would for any other important appointment. When this time rolls around, focus on those important things. This doesn't mean you have to "finish" those items; it
just means that you do a little something to get those wheels turning.
I hope these tips help you feel a bit more refreshed and productive!
