No sooner has the cool air blown the other way, the hot wind comes rushing in. No doubt, people start complaining about the rising temperature. According to them, it is more than just the discomfort. It is also the sticky perspiration and the prevailing depression.

     There are only two seasons in Thailand, namely the hot and hottest seasons, so say the Thais and foreigners alike. Thus, there simply is no escaping the stuffy heat. To get some relief, some seek a respite with a trip outside the capital; others would rather cling on to their hard-earned money.

1 The Common Routine Shower or a Bath

     More than just washing oneself standing, a shower helps ease tension, a way to relax. Choosi ng the appropriate water tem peratu re for a shower is equally important. Some prefer a cold shower, others opt for cozy warm one, all depends on personal preference. However, neither should go to the extreme, i.e. overly cold or scalding hot, which can all be harmful to one's health.

     According to the information from Pan Cosmetic, 38° - 40° Celsius is the water temperature that is right for the body, although one is advised aga i nst stayi ng longer than 10 - 15 minutes in such water temperature. At this temperature, the shower helps reduce body toxin, increase breathing rate and, suitable for someone who feels unwell, ease the fever.

     At 21° - 27° Celsius, the lukewarm water is the most ideal tempera¬ture at the height of the hot climate as it helps us relax. People taking a bath in the water at this temperature can remain in the bath from 20 - 60 minutes.

     For a cold shower, the ideal temperature is between 24° - 34° Cel¬sius for a two - five minutes shower to ease body fatigue and allow the skin to adjust itself.

     With the right water temperature chosen, it is time to find the kind of soap that is compatible with the type of your skin. Look for the neutralized soap or the soap with low acidity. You can tell if you have the right soap for your skin as long as you feel a clean you, a soft and not overly dry skin. To give you the peace of mind, you may need a soft skin-scrubber to help remove dead cells from the skin. Out of the shower, apply some lotion to keep your skin happily moistened.

2 Go to Sea

     Seaside offers a popular holiday destination for many families, especially in summer when people take days off to enjoy the fresh air of the sea. Yes, fresh air is the common goal of those going to the beach. But one just have to be cautious about swimming in the sun which could irritate the skin without proper protection. Make sure you stay indoors between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and always use UVA and UVB sun-block cream 15 - 20 minutes before you get into the bright sunshine.

     Why UVA and UVB sun-block cream? UVA and UVB are solar rays that tan your skin and could also be harmful. The latter is most power¬ful during 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and could burn the skin. At the same time, UVA prevails throughout the course of the day and could destroy the skin layer that is too deep for UVB to penetrate. Although, the amount of ultraviolet in the environment is minimal, there is also the possibility of the skin being exposed to such potential harm despite the sun-block protection.

     If you must be in the sun for a long while, make sure you at least wear SPF15 sun-block as it gives you 15 times of protection against the sun before your skin gets burnt.
If you find it difficult to dodge the searing hot sun, try consider reading by the beach or a family get-together as options for swimming.

3 Public Parks

     The sea aside, public park is another venue with plenty of shades and fresh air. Bangkok offers many public parks, including Chatuchak Public Park, Railway Park, Suan Luang Ro Kao, Lumpini Park, Saranrom Park, to name but a few. So make a choice that fits you and plan some activities like a picnic, cycling or jogging, walking, getting involved in Tai-chi or playing football as some of the physical exercises.

4 Thirst-quencher

     Most of us tend to perspire more in summer. Drinking water is known to help adjust the body temperature. While six to eight glasses of water are recognized as the right amount of daily water intake, this should be increased to ten glasses in the hot summer. The water should be at room temperature, not overly chilled as this could lead to breathing blockage. Still, other thirst quenchers are aplenty. For instance, j u b liang, the Chinese herbal drink, could help adjust the degree of body heat and refreshes the body; Chao Kuai also provides a similar outcome; sugar cane drink is an excellent thirst-quencher; chrysanthemum drink helps ease internal heat and palm fruit drink is unquestionably refreshing.

5 The Forever Popular Ice-cream

     Ice-cream has a thousand years of history behind it. The Chinese are accredited for the invention. Marco Polo took the recipe back to Europe and made it popular. Ice-cream at the time was milk-free, more ice-crystal like. Through the passage of time, more concoctions were added resulting in an assortment of colors and flavors including orange, lime, chocolate, vanilla, among others. With ongoing evolution in the world, so too is the parochial ice-cream which has advanced into a jamboree of colors and tastes.

     Ice-cream with its taste, for many, is a must in summer.

6 Water-Splashing

     Songkran is well-nigh as the hot temperature keeps climbing on the thermometer. Water-splashing is no novelty in Thailand during Songkran Festival as it helps cool down the heat. Kao San Road, Sanam Luang, one's own neighborhood are all popular venues where water-splashing in summer heat takes place. Chiang Mai makes a name for itself as the entire city closes down in the name of "water-splashing".

7 A Film in the Cinema

     Tired of the jostling? The cinema is an ideal escape. A film in the morning, followed by a lunch in one of the fast-food joints. If a free afternoon is on hand, then look for another film that is different from that in the morning. The variety is rich, be it romance, action or documentary.

8 A Summer Smile

     How to smile to fight summer heat? The answer is a piece of cake.
A sincere smile from the heart. But this calls for exercise as well, because an impressive smile always brightens a dreary soul.

     It is said that smiling provides physical strength. So if you feel depleted, totally exhausted or despondent, try give yourself a heartfelt smile and you will see a cheerful reflection.

     Pick a choice that will give you a cool relief in the summer heat, you will discover that there are loads of bliss out there in the world that you may never think possible.