Cold packs to aqua yoga, B’lureans get creative to beat the heat

BENGALURU: Though Bengaluru is not reeling under a heatwave, the ‘unusually hot’ feeling is not only making citizens scamper for shade but also come up with offbeat ways to keep themselves cool. From moving around with cold packs and mini-fans to taking buttermilk breaks and stretching muscles with aqua yoga, Bengalureans are trying everything possible this summer.
For the past week, Nagendra, an autorickshaw driver, has been making sure he doesn’t leave home without a cold pack, which he says has been a source of much relief. “My daughter got it for me from an online store. I use the pack to cool the back of my head every half an hour,” the Basaveshwaranagar resident told STOI, adding that the heat is like never before this year.
Nagendra’s sentiment is echoed by several others who are using innovative methods to beat the heat. Another autorickshaw driver, Aslam, said apart from carrying drinking water, he has installed a small fan in his vehicle. “Even the wind is hot. Summer is taking a toll on our health. A friend of mine has been unable to eat or drink for three days,” he said.
Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union general secretary Rudramurthy said drivers avoid trips during afternoon. “Our peak business time is morning and evening office hours. So, most of us take a break when the sun is at its peak,” he said.
Bengalureans who don’t travel a lot are also suffering and trying different things. For instance, Antara Sharma, a research associate at Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), sprays cold water on her curtains every night before she goes to bed. “It helps for a while,” she said.
While Saina Jaypal, a communications specialist, uses a wet towel before she sleeps, Soumya Yathish, an HR professional, said taking showers with cold water twice a day gives her respite.
Many like Aathira Ekkanath, a security analyst, are also making dietary changes. Aathira swears by watermelons, arrowroot powder in water and lemon water. “Reducing the consumption of meat also helps,” she said.
Dr Varsha Shankar, a postgraduate student of oral and maxillofacial surgery, has added a lot of buttermilk to her diet. “The only way to avoid a heat stroke is to stay hydrated. I consume 3-4 litres of water daily, apart from 3-4 glasses of buttermilk. It has a cooling effect on the body,” she said.
However, Aslam Basheer, founder of Cafe Azzure and Rocketfuel Agency, said even adequate water intake and chilled soda are helping little when it comes to the heat.
Yusra Fathima, a mother of two, has started swimming for the first time in her life. “Aqua yoga is one option that I am considering to make it interesting,” the techie said .
Some like Anshima Gupta, a therapist and social worker, and Sonal Kumari, a PhD student, have opted to stay indoors as much as possible. Mohammed Zeeshan, a policy analyst and foreign affairs columnist, said a garden on the terrace has kept his flat cool. “Greenery always saves the day,” he said.