The outside temperature, your salary, the electricity bills and your career trajectory – everything is on the rise. You’re moving to Chennai for your dream job, working in a cushy office in one of the IT parks in Chennai, meeting some awesome people, learning and growing into your best self. But as a newcomer to the city, there’s something you’re just not ready for. And that’s the scorching heat.
It’s hard to keep cool, calm and collected when you’re tackling the humidity of the city. But we want you to make the most of your time here. Don’t let the sweat stains take centre stage in your new life in Chennai. These summer hacks will help you beat the heat in the city:
Let in the light
When you’re moving to a place that’s as hot as Chennai, the temptation is to keep your AC running 24×7 to help yourself cool down. And if you’re living in a professionally managed accommodation like Stanza Living which includes all utilities in the monthly rent, this might work out just fine for you. But if you’re living on your own, you probably don’t want your electricity bill to be driving up the cost of living in Chennai. Luckily, we’ve got an easy answer for you. Cross ventilation. Instead of shutting out the world and cocooning yourself in an AC room, throw open your doors and windows and let in the air. A cool breeze can make the world of difference during summer and fresh air will leave you feeling energised. Plus, you’ll be letting in natural light instead of relying on lamps or bulbs (which tend to give off heat), so you’ll cut down your carbon footprint at the same time. Win-win-win, we say.
Go green
While we’re on the topic of environmentally friendly practices, you can upgrade your Chennai home by bringing yourself a bunch of indoor plants. Not only will this level up the aesthetics of your apartment, plants can also bring down the temperature of your room. They’ll break the monotony of your furniture and appliances, add a pop of colour, and leave you feeling a lot less stuffy. The best indoor plants for these purposes are palms, weeping figs, Chinese evergreens and rubber plants. So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to flex your green thumb, Chennai living is giving you one.
Declutter to spark joy
Marie Kondo said it first. The more clutter you’re surrounded by the more bogged down you’ll feel. And it’s not just psychological effects that untidy surroundings can have on you, they can also generate a lot of heat by reducing circulation space. Moving to Chennai is a great time to embrace minimalism as a lifestyle, making it easier to keep your home neat, clean and airy. So put away those piles of clothes that are absorbing heat and restricting airflow. Open yourself up to a cleaner, cooler living environment.
Dress light
Cotton is going to become your best friend in Chennai. The heat and humidity of the city means its best to wear light coloured natural fabrics during the day. Avoid being out and about in the sun during the peak hours between noon and four, but if you have to, choose long-sleeved breathable fabrics and don’t miss out on sunscreen. Your clothing choices will really impact your comfort levels in Chennai, so dress smart.
Take care of yourself
Sometimes you can get so caught up in the hustle that you forget about the basics. But as you begin your new life in Chennai, remember to take extra good care of yourself. Keep a water bottle at hand at all times, so you can stay hydrated despite the weather. And yes, water is a better idea than energy drinks or soft drinks since the sugar in those beverages can cause your energy levels to fluctuate. If you’re prone to sweating a lot, or if being in the sun gives you headaches, it’s also a good idea to keep electrolytes handy in the form of ORS sachets that you can pick up at any pharmacy. And eat well too, fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, and mangoes will leave you feeling energised and refreshed against the heat.
With our summer hacks, you’re sure to ace life in Chennai. Now that you’ve got the basics under control, you can move on to what’s really important – your career and the opportunities that the city offers. So keep your focus strong and keep cool, and you’ll find life in Chennai is doing wonders for you.
