As much as I love summer, being a redhead with skin that burns at the slightest exposure and frequently erupts in a painful heat rash (even with factor 50 applied), I possess the warm-weather survival instincts of a newborn. After years of peeling my fringe from my face while diligently reapplying sun cream and desperately seeking any patch of shade for momentary relief, record-breaking temperatures and red weather warnings are hardly my idea of a good time. Throw in living in a Victorian terraced house that appears only capable of being freezing cold or unbearably stuffy, and you've got a recipe for absolute misery.
Fortunately, during the height of last summer, I stumbled upon the solution to all my woes - and I haven't suffered from overheating at home or in bed since. When the heat becomes overwhelming, the instinct is often to leap straight into a cold shower or bath. However, cooling solely your feet is actually a remarkably effective method of reducing your core body temperature.
Why Cooling Your Feet Works
A post by the University of Reading explained: "Research shows that putting your feet in cold water is a good way to reduce core body temperature and keep your organs working. It will also help reduce swelling in your ankles and feet."
Another well-known technique for cooling your feet involves placing a pair of socks in the fridge or freezer throughout the day and slipping them on just before bedtime. However, I personally swear by a somewhat more drastic solution: freezable slippers. Originally designed for those suffering from foot injuries, pain and swelling, they also prove remarkably effective for people who simply need some respite from the day's heat.
My Go-To Product: Newgo Foot Ice Pack Slippers
I own the Newgo Foot Ice Pack Slippers (£17.99), but there are loads of similar ones available, including Bodyprox's Cold & Hot Therapy Wrap (£13.99). The Neo G Universal 3D Hot & Cold Therapy Pack (£10), while not in slipper form, would also do the trick. For those working from home, they can be worn at a desk throughout the day, then returned to the fridge to firm up again before bedtime. The relief is immediate, with the cooling effect noticeable almost straight away.
Retailers recommend using them for no longer than 20 minutes at a time, which most users find more than sufficient. During the night, once the 20 minutes is up, or if the cold becomes too intense, they can simply be slipped off and used to cool the bed itself. It's a quick and straightforward method of bringing your temperature down, and as they're filled with gel and encased in soft knitted fabric, they retain their coldness for considerable periods, meaning a single pair should suffice.
Year-Round Versatility
While freezing them beforehand will maximise their longevity, popping them in the fridge for a couple of hours works equally well. Come wintertime, they can be warmed in the microwave for 60 seconds, making them a genuinely worthwhile investment throughout the year.
