Tips to stop sizzling as temperatures go up

1. Go tropical. Take the lead of those who live in tropical climates by wearing loose, lightweight cotton and linen clothing. Slip into a guayabera, better known as a Mexican wedding shirt, which wicks moisture away from the skin and promotes air cirulcation.

2. Cool your pulse. Pop to a zoo or safari park in hot weather and you may notice monkeys licking their wrists. As the saliva drys, it causes a cool sensation.

The same principle applies to human beings. Try it! If you don't want to lick your wrists, run your wrists under cold water for 10 seconds. Alternatively, place cold, damp towels on the back of your neck and knees, or on your feet.

3. Order a curry. It's no coincidence that Latin America, India and Thailand are among the world's hottest places and also serve some of the world's hottest foods.

Scientists have argued for years over why this is the case, but the most likely reason is that spicy foods make you sweat without actually raising body temperature.

Chalk it up to capsaicin, a chemical found in things like hot peppers.

Once your skin is damp, you'll feel cooled by its evaporation.

4. Graze. Avoid big, protein-laden meals, which stoke your body's metabolic fires. Instead eat smaller, more frequent meals.

You'll feel cooler – and it's better for you too.

5. Fill a hot water bottle. . . with cold water. Sleeping during hot weather can be a challenge, but you'll improve your chances if you fill a standard hot water bottle with ice water. Use it to cool your ankles and the back of your knees — it works.

You can also try bagging your sheets and tossing them in the freezer for an hour or two before bed.

6. Stock up. Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside.

As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.

7 Cap it off. If you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.

Cooling down your head will help you to cool your whole body.

8 Pop to the shops. Many modern shopping centres, like those in Telford and Shrewsbury, benefit from air conditioning.

So arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theatre, or other public space that is cool.

9. Common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces.

Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.

Don't leave animals or children in cars, conservatories or any other places that may overheat.

10. Pop-up ice-pops. The Zoku Duo Quick Pop Maker can freeze a lolly made from fresh ingredients in record time.

They are available at big name stores like John Lewis and can churn out delicious ice lollies in less than 10 minutes. They cost around £37 – but that's a small price to pay to keep the kids happy and cool during the summer holidays.

11. Tea stinger. Tea made from nettles is the perfect drink when it's too hot.

Stinging nettles are rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, which combat water retention and poor circulation.

Drinking a few cups will help your body to flush away excess fluids, which prevents them from becoming even hotter. Try stewing stinging nettle tips to make soup or tea.

12. Feel the breeze. There are plenty of cooling fans available for people who need to create a welcome light breeze.

Officer workers can use the Mathmos Stay Cool USB fan, which plugs into a lap top or desktop PC and helps air to circulate.

You can also buy aerosol water sprayers that work a treat.

13. Switch it off. Switch off electrical appliances that aren't in use.

You would be amazed how much heat computers, TVs, Sky boxes and other electrical devices that are left on stand-by can generate.

14. Cold salve. Place body moisturisers, foot lotions and foot salves into the fridge.

When you apply them after a cooling shower, they will feel refreshingly cold. Go on – pamper yourself!

15. Ditch the bling. Heavy jewellery will conduct heat and make you even hotter.

So avoid gold chains and necklaces, which soak up the sun's rays and warm your skin.

16. Avoid the top floor of your house, if you live in a two-storey home. Warm air rises, so spending time downstairs help you to cool off. Open windows when it is safe to do so, to encourage the free flow of air and to avoid your house overheating.

However, always make sure windows are closed at night, to prevent burglaries. Also, keep your curtains drawn during the day to avoid a greenhouse effect.

17. Wear your dinner. Placing cool slices of cucumber on your face and lying down will help you to cool off. Alternatively, you can brew peppermint tea and then chill in the fridge for an hour. Add it to a spray bottle and use it as a body spray. It will make you feel cooler.

18. Ditch the beer. Your body may crave a chilled beer, but it's best to avoid alcohol because it dehydrates the body. Instead, select mineral water or low-sugar fizzy drinks. Also, avoid drinks with caffeine such as coffee and colas. They increase the metabolic heat in the body.

19. Think snow. Research shows that the body can be tricked into imagining it is cooler than it actually is.

So sit back, close your eyes and picture snow. Your body can react to daydreams, reducing its overall temperature.

20. Ditch the double bed. Probably not a recipe for a perfect marriage, but many couples find sleeping in separate beds a godsend in hot weather.

Contact generates heat – and means an uncomfortable and sleepless night is virtually guaranteed.