The temperatures this month may be soaring but that doesn’t mean that you need to be sweaty and overheated. There are plenty of ways to stay cool, both physically andmentally that don’t necessarily involve a sky-rocketing air conditioning bill! For example, did you know that in Japan, instead of trying to cool one’s environment, like we do in the U.S., Japanese people aim to cool their bodies? So, this means that instead of blasting the A/C, Japanese people put cold wet towels around their necks, and wear special undershirts that absorb and ventilate sweat and heat. Pretty neat, right?
Since music is our forte at Night is Alive, we put together a playlist of cool jazz to help you chill out this August. Grab a nice tall glass of ice water, put a cold towel around your neck and kick back in the shade while you beat the heat and enjoy these super chill tunes.
Lonnie Plaxico & Camille Thurman – Free
I don’t know about you, but I feel like the heat affects not only my physical health but also my mental health. When I’m constantly in a hot, sunny, humid environment, my mind starts to feel foggy and hazy. I become lethargic and lazy, and feel like those small tasks on my to-do list are insurmountable. But this song, from the groovy album Radiance, will have you feeling free and radiant. Take it easy on yourself! It’s okay to take a break and cool down. Remember, breaks are important because they refresh and revitalize you to accomplish whatever comes next.
Heat stroke is a real problem that occurs more often than you might think! When you’re dehydrated and spend too much time outside in the heat, sometimes your body is unable to cool itself down. It’s important to take precautions to avoid heat stroke, like avoiding laborious physical labor and exercise during peak temperatures, which often occur in the late afternoons. Instead of going for your daily post-work run, why not have a siesta or do some gentle yoga indoors? You could even listen to this song, from NiA’s album My Ship, to help you unwind and sleep or stretch.
Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod
Maybe sometimes instead of trying to beat the heat, it’s better to just lean in and embrace it. It might always be sunny right now, but the sun is a lot more enjoyable when you’re basking by a pool. This tune, from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, will have you imagining that you’re on a luxury beach retreat in Cape Cod, even if you may only be at the YMCA in your small hometown!
In this stifling heat, the breeze can truly feel like a godsend. Listen to this song, from NiA’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue while you blast the fan or go for a bike ride that’ll have the wind rippling through your clothes. Remember, loose, lightweight clothes are the way to go when it comes to embracing the breeze, no matter how small it may be.
Janis Siegel, John DiMartino & others – Hard Candy Christmas
Even though it’s not technically Christmas in July anymore, it could be fun to listen to a holiday tune to remind yourself that the heat is only temporary. The summer heat also often makes me want to listen to country music, which makes this jazz country western Christmas song the perfect tune to imagine a snowy, wintery time. From NiA’s album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, “Hard Candy Christmas” would pair well with a sweet peppermint ice cream!
Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page.
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash
