5 easy home updates for summer

(NC) Your home comes alive this time of year, with barbecues, entertaining and long weekend parties. Give it a makeover with these Do It Yourself projects recommended by Health Canada that will make it a cool, comfortable and inviting space for everyone to enjoy.

Grow your greenery. Give your green thumb a whirl and plant trees where the sun hits during the hottest part of the day. Tree-shaded spots could be as much as 5ºC cooler than the surrounding area, helping to cool your home inside and out.

Freshen up fabrics. Switch up wintertime materials like knits and fleece for loose, light-coloured textiles made of breathable fabric. Choose linens and cottons for your pillows and throws. Stay hydrated. During the summer, it’s important to drink plenty of cool liquids before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Update your glassware or water bottle to something with a fun pattern or bold colours so you’ll actually want to drink more water.

Deck out your patio. Keep your home cooler by cooking on the grill. Make your outdoor living space more inviting. Ensure there are shaded areas for cooling off — colourful wide umbrellas can help.

Retreat to your cool space. During extreme heat, it may be a good idea to stay indoors to take a break from the heat. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do a fun activity — visit your local swimming pool, public library or mall to cool off. You can also create a reading nook in a cooler part of the home.