It’s that time of year again when stepping outside becomes synonymous with a visit to the sauna. Dubai residents must face this annual battle with heat through the summer. Heat in most countries is much craved, and largely enjoyed by all; however, in Dubai, heat is redefined as harmful and threatening to peoples’ health and wellbeing. This June, Dubai experienced record breaking temperatures – being the hottest place in the world at 50*C (and it is just early June). The heat wave is scheduled to continue. Many scientific studies show that the scorching sunlight of this region can be truly damaging and shouldn’t be underestimated. Nonetheless, there are a few life hacks to help you beat the heat.

1. First and foremost: remember to stay HYDRATED. This is the most vital thing every summer, with most causalities being a result of dehydration. Summer calls for a drink of water every 15-20 minutes if outside, and at half an hour intervals indoors. Electrolyte or flavored water can be used for a change.

2. Summer is here and so are bugs of all kinds, adding an addition hazard of insect-borne disease. Invest in insect repellent, citronella, or stick cloves into a lime wedge to make a natural bug repellent that is effective and smells good.

3. Air Conditioning problems? All is not lost! Use a fan facing out of an open window to cool the fresh air coming. As per laws concerning convection currents, a room gets filled naturally with cool air using this method.

4. Nursing terrible sunburn? Or a blistering encounter with a hot piece of metal? Eucalyptus works wonders for burns of all kinds due to its natural cooling properties. Tip: use toothpaste for smaller burns as it usually contains small amounts of eucalyptus.

5. Everyone has experienced that pungent summer stench at least once. Use dryer sheets inside worn shoes and clothes to keep a fresh scent till next use.

6. To instantly freeze a bottle of water or soda, cover the can or bottle in wet tissue paper and put in the freezer. The cooling action occurs over minutes rather than hours for a quick summer fix.

7. Iced coffee is a huge hit come summer, but here’s a thought: coffee ice. Fill an ice cube tray with your left over coffee and the use the coffee cubes as a coolant for your cold coffee instead of regular ice – and avoiding any watering down.