Notes on a Heatwave

I survived two pregnancies in Western Australia without air conditioning, which I think qualifies me as something of a heatwave connoisseur. Full disclosure: I was in my early thirties at the time. These days, I'm fairly certain that level of discomfort would send me straight to the airport, swollen cankles and all. My main recommendation is to adopt the lifestyle of a Galápagos tortoise: move slowly, only when absolutely necessary, and find a shady spot for regular naps.

A few other survival tips:

• Ditch the underwear. This is survival mode; nobody needs an extra layer.

• Put a large bowl of cold water in front of a fan. I don't understand the science, but it works.

• Never, ever turn the oven on. Magnums are now a major food group.

• Have a cool shower and wash your hair before bed.

• In desperate times, use a damp towel instead of a sheet.

• Open the windows, but keep blinds and curtains closed during the day.

• If you're working at a computer, put your feet in a bucket of cold water.

• Keep damp flannels in the fridge for emergency brow-mopping.

Please share your own heatwave survival tips below, and good luck everyone. See you on the other side—probably in 12°C temperatures and torrential rain!

Sophie x

If all else fails sleep outside. Image: Dee Campling

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