Summer isn't in full swing, but it's already sweltering. Here are five tips to help you stay cool as the temperatures rise.

Do you find yourself going to weird extremes while attempting to beat the heat?

Have you already resorted to hanging your feet out of the window of your steamy apartment to catch a breeze?

Or are you one of those people who goes shopping just to bask in the cool air of some shop's AC?

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You don't need to lie in a fountain or stick ice cubes down your shirt to stay cool in the summer heat.

Do these five things, and the summer heat is sure to be more bearable:

• keep the heat out,
• stay hydrated,
• wear the right summer clothing,
• eliminate excess heat,
• and eat light.

By following these tips, you'll find that beating the summer heat is easy – regardless if you've got a functioning AC.

When the sun is beating down, the best thing you can do is keep the heat out. Take steps to turn your home into a cool, comfortable cave.

The good news is, it's as easy as shutting your windows, pulling down the blinds, and closing your curtains during the hottest parts of the day. This keeps the cool air in and prevents the afternoon heat from creeping in.

When the temperature drops at night or after rain, that's the best time to get some fresh air and embrace the cooler summer breeze.

But it's an especially good one when it's hot and steamy outside.

Hydration is key when it comes to making sure your body can work its natural AC system: sweating.

But remember, when you sweat lots because it's hot, dehydration can happen. And if you're low on H2O, you are more likely to overheat, or find yourself in danger of heatstroke.

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Most people need at least two liters of water a day, so make sure you are sipping away. But don't just guzzle any fluid. Beer, soda, and coffee won't help you hydrate. In fact, they can actually make you more dehydrated.

Wondering how to stay hydrated? Stick to water, juice, or cool lemonade.

If you've got to head out into the heat, it's best to make sure you are dressed for the weather. That means it's time to shed any thick or dark-colored layers.

Opt for fashion that is easy-breezy and made of cotton or of a synthetic material that whisks sweat away from your skin. It's the evaporation that counts when it comes to cooling off in a heat wave.

That means if you do prioritize a dark-colored fashion, or heavy jeans, you may find yourself stuck sitting in your own sweat.

You've already closed your windows and blinds to ward off the outside heat. But if you really want to stay cool, ask yourself what inside your home might be making the mercury rise.

The real questions is: what generates heat?

The oven is all about heat, as is your dryer. So turning off these heat beasts when it is more than a 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside should be a no-brainer.

But it's not just the big household appliances that can generate a lot of heat. The smaller devices can also make the temperature rise. Think about your computer, laptop, or printer. These information machines can get hot, and anything that adds to a heat wave is no good when you're already hot and sweaty.

The best thing you can do is turn off any electronic you don't need when it's hot out. Then at least you won't be adding to the summer heat.

When the weather is warm, salads, smoothies, and salsas should be your new best food friends. You don't want to turn on the oven anyway.

These vegetable and fruit combinations won't weigh you down any more than you already are by the humidity.

Eating heavy fare like a hamburger or pasta with cheese is going to give your body a lot to digest, which can make you feel even warmer. So stick to the lighter, sweeter things. If you want a break from healthy options like salad and smoothies, then consider treating yourself to ice cream.

You want food that is going to keep you cool, so think before you eat.

If you keep the heat out, stay hydrated, wear the right summer clothing, eliminate excess heat, and eat light, summer is sure to be a delight – even if it's hot outside.