As the mercury climbs and the heatwave hits full swing, staying cool becomes more than a comfort—it’s a necessity. But if you’re not a fan of blasting the AC all day (hello, energy bills and environmental concerns), we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 smart, simple, and surprisingly effective ways to cool down your home—and yourself—naturally.

1. Shade the South Side                                                                                                                                  The southern and southwestern sides of your home catch the most sun. Keep them shaded—whether with blinds, curtains, or external solutions like awnings—to stop heat from pouring in.

2. Keep the Awnings Down                                                                                                                                 If you have awnings, drop them during the day. It’s a simple barrier that keeps sunlight—and heat—out.

3. Go Green with Plants
Place tall or climbing plants on your balcony. They act like nature’s air conditioners, potentially lowering indoor temperatures by up to 3°C.

4. Shut It All Down
Close all windows and exterior doors during the day to trap the cooler morning air inside. If it’s a scorcher, keep them sealed until nightfall.

5. Let the Breeze In—Strategically
After sunset, open windows across from each other to create a cross breeze. It’s one of the most effective (and free) ways to flush out heat.

6. Catch the Cool Hours
Open windows early in the morning or late at night—when it’s cooler outside—to air out your space.

7. Use Water’s Secret Power
Fill ceramic bowls with water and place them near windows. As the water evaporates, it gently cools the air and balances humidity. Just be sure to change the water every other day.

8. Ditch the Old Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs give off a lot of heat. Swap them for LEDs, which are not only energy-efficient but also keep your space cooler.

9. Flip Your Ceiling Fan (Literally)
Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise during summer. This pushes cooler air down instead of recycling warm air from above.

10. Hack Your Table Fan
Place a frozen water bottle in front of a desk fan. It cools the air it blows around, creating a mini chill zone.

11. Don’t Cook Your House
Avoid using the oven or stovetop during peak heat hours. Try cold meals, microwave cooking, or fire up the grill outdoors.

12. Barefoot & Breezy
Ditch the socks and shoes. Going barefoot helps your body naturally regulate temperature, especially when humidity’s high.

13. Spritz and Refresh
Fill a spray bottle with cool water and mist your face or body. The evaporating droplets will instantly make you feel refreshed.

14. Cold Compress, Cool Core
Freeze a towel or cloth and press it to your neck, wrists, or behind the knees. Or run cold water over these pulse points for a fast body-cooling effect.

15. Sleep Cool
Choose breathable bedding—think silk, satin, linen, or cotton—to help your body stay cool and dry throughout the night.