Your space: Have a fresh bite to cool body and mind

 1. Eat fresh and cool to keep your mind and body cool 

I am originally from Bihar where the nature of the heat is very different from that of Pune. Here, due to comparatively less humidity, the heat is much more overwhelming, but contrary to common belief, exercising regularly actually helps. The body needs to be active and sufficiently hydrated. Hence, drinking lots of water and exercise is the key to beating the Pune heat. 

In addition to this, I try to stay away from unhealthy and oily food. Instead, simple homemade food with minimum spices and oil is very healthy. I remember during the mango season my mother use to make a special dal with raw mango and curd. Although in vain, I do try to replicate the dish. Also, drinking lots of coconut water along with fresh neera is another thing I regularly do. The point is to eat fresh and cool to keep your mind and body cool  - Srijit Kumar  

2. Keeping hydrated helps regulate body temperature 

Summertime is the worst of all seasons. Why do I say that? During the winter you can wear more clothes to keep yourself warm, in monsoon a raincoat helps keep you dry, but during summers, there is hardly anything you can do to beat the heat.

I choose to use some of the following methods to keep my summers cool, especially in Pune where you have only dry heat. There is always a comfort in sitting under the fan or in an air-conditioned room, but you can’t do that without burning a hole in your pocket. I use insulation during the day to keep my room shut tight and keep the heat out and open the doors and windows when the sun sets. This helps maintain a normal, slightly cooler temperature in my room. Other than that, keeping yourself hydrated helps regulate the body temperature. Along with this, swimming helps too. It is a good exercise which is at the same time, enjoyable in this incalescent weather. One cannot forget quick getaways to hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla during summers. I have taken trips to these places whenever there was a long holiday. These places are soothing and pleasant this time of the year, compared to many other places. Along with the hill stations, water parks also make a great location for a picnic which at the same time allows you to cool off in the water for the day. A few do-it-yourself solutions like hanging a wet sheet at night in front of the windows to cool the incoming breeze also helps. This is how I have managed to ditch the Pune heat.- Namrata Shukla 

3. Mehendi and aloe vera keeps me cool 

My tried and tested solution to beat the heat during summer is applying mehendi and aloe vera on the body and consuming watery fruits. Every night, I apply mehendi paste or aloe vera gel on my scalp, palms and soles. I also use kajal and gulab jal for the eyes. Some traditional solutions like massaging the soles of the feet with an authentic bronze bowl also helps get rid of the body heat. 

While going out, I prefer wearing loose clothing, particularly cotton, and I strictly avoid wearing jeans. I cover my entire body with socks, white gloves, sun coat, goggles and helmet. My office doesn’t have centralised air conditioning. So, instead of running the air conditioner on full speed immediately, I open the windows, let the breeze come in, and then slowly increase the speed. It helps the body to adjust with the changing temperature. The same procedure is applied when going out. Instead of getting out suddenly from freezing temperatures, I spend some time in a non-air conditioned area and then move out. 

We normally don’t go out during the summer. Even on weekends, I prefer to go to malls with air conditioning facilities. After sunset, I enjoy a small walk in a nearby garden. - Bhagyshree Paranjape 

4. Help our furry friends 

The summer heat calls for a lot of change to ones diet and routine. For example, I ensure I leave the house only early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun. Secondly, I stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids and fresh juices. Now, people should be careful of what they are drinking too, one should avoid roadside or unhygienic places that serve juices and refreshments as there is a high risk of infections. While we are capable of keeping ourselves cool and hydrated, it is important to look out for our furry friends and birds too. Keeping small bowls of water in balconies or in your compounds will help them stay cool. Also, one can try and leave some fresh food for them in the evening. - Supriya Borse, computer engineer  

5. Stay hydrated and away from infections 

While most would like to run away and plan a getaway during the summer, it is important to understand that travelling in the heat could take a toll on one’s health. I personally like to spend time indoors as it helps maintain body temperature. If at all I have to step out of the office or home, then I make sure I am covered to avoid the harmful rays of the sun. I try and keep myself as dry as possible to avoid summer infections. I enjoy drinking fresh juices, mango delicacies and all the other summer specialities. - Soham Shinde, software professional     

6. Proper diet is key 

I come from a hill station called Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Mount Abu has very pleasant weather. It becomes really difficult to deal with the scorching heat in Pune. Besides the irritation and the exasperation, a lot of effort needs to be taken in summer. I make it a point to keep myself hydrated and intake a lot of liquids throughout the day. While going out for work I cover myself thoroughly to avoid heat strokes and sunburn and also apply sunscreen in abundance. Personally, I hate summers and for people with sensitive skin, it is worse. Hence, during weekends I prefer staying at home and coming out only in the evening. Staying well fed, hydrated and protected from the sun is the key. - Riya kalwani  

7.  Getaway trips to beat the heat   

I am originally from Nagpur where the average temperature in summer season is more than 44 degrees Celsius. Hence, in Pune I don’t feel the heat too difficult to cope up with. Moreover, if an individual is working, they have no option but to deal with the heat. 

I work in the sales and marketing team of a retail company which compels me to be on outdoor assignments most of the time. However, to not fall sick, some basic things like drinking a lot of water and covering your head among others, must be done. Having a lot of butler milk and juice can be a good alternative. Also, I have made a habit of saving money to travel in summers. I prefer to go to places like Mahabaleshwar, Matheran and other nearby cold places, where the temperature is slightly more pleasant and one can have a good time avoiding the heat.  -  Anurag Deshmukh, Sales and Marketing Executive.