No matter which part of the country you live in, you have to admit, this has been one hot summer. And this is coming from someone who lives in Florida. I’m used to working around the rising temperatures, but I’ve had to rework my schedule this year.

If you’ve been struggling with the heat, here are a few suggestions to enjoy the rest of the summer.

Rise early. This may sound logical, but if you aren’t an early riser, it can be difficult. However, getting up early to exercise outside or to do yard work before the mid-day heat becomes unbearable is worthwhile. I normally cut the grass later in the afternoon, but this summer I’ve been out first thing in the morning. My husband and I have been hiking more than usual, so we make sure to arrive as soon as the hiking trails open. We can get a few miles in before going back to the car to blast the air conditioner. Wearing the right clothing, like moisture-wicking shirts, is surprisingly helpful. 

Drink lots of water. One of the problems with the heat is that we can easily get dehydrated. It can sneak up on you and doesn’t feel great when you experience this. I always carry a bottle of water with me, even if I’m just running errands. When doing yard work, I stop periodically to take a drink. It’s a good habit to establish anyway, so why not start now?

Take time for hobbies. If you are staying indoors, this can be a time to be involved with hobbies. I always recommend reading, but then as a lifetime reader and an author, that is my go-to. But what about needle crafts? Woodworking? Maybe start making handmade Christmas cards early. You can use this time to get caught up on paperwork or trying out new recipes. Put your imagination to use and be excited about what might happen.

Family Time. Even later in the day, when the sun is sinking, you may not want to go outside. Gather the family around the table for some fun. We used to play board games a lot when my daughters were young. Over the years we’ve gotten busy and I’ll admit, I miss that quality time together. Take an inventory of the games you’ve stored away. Find a deck of cards. Start new traditions with the younger family members. There is nothing like competition to create a fun family night.

Movie Night. This is a great time to catch up on movie watching. If you have little ones, make a tent or spread-out blankets so the kids can gather round to watch a new movie. Popcorn is always a must. I bought some of those cardboard popcorn boxes like you get at the movie theater, making the time special. Maybe throw in some ice cream. Dim the lights and get drawn into the drama or adventure of another world. Movie marathons are another great way to get everyone together.

These are just a few ways to beat the heat. Sometimes we limit ourselves with our routines and don’t venture out of our comfort zones. Before we know it, we’ll be enjoying the fall temperatures, but in the meantime, switch it up and try something new.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HER SURPRISE HOMETOWN MATCH, available now. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.