They call this time of year "the dog days of summer", and we've got to agree. Especially with those heat waves smacking the western United States, it feels like we're melting as soon as we walk outside these days.

Luckily, the Bomber Eyewear team is made up of masters at the art of Not Giving A F!&#, and that extends to keeping cool when it's just way too f!&#ing hot outside. 

Here are a few tips from the ~coolest~ team on Earth on what to do when it's too hot outside.

1. Just chill, man. This one sounds silly, but it's true -- the more you stress out about being hot and sweaty, the hotter and sweatier you'll get. Whenever you can, take the time to take a few deep breaths and let your heart rate slow down. 
2. Stick to the shade. This is pretty obvious, but it's critically important, especially if you're spending more than a few minutes outside. Find shade wherever you can, whether that means investing in an EZ-up or moving your BBQ to a shaded pavilion instead of your dad's backyard. 
3. Put ice in your drinks. Instant solution, right? This goes even better if you have one of those fancy insulated water bottles -- and if push comes to shove and you're dying, you can always pour some ice water on your scalp and the back of your neck to cool down. 
4. Start hydrating early -- and don't stop. Seriously, y'all, water will be your best friend during a heat wave. Start those icy drinks as soon as you wake up in the morning, and don't stop just because you're not thirsty (or even worse, because you're drinking beer). Water = sweat, and sweat = your body's way of keeping itself cool. 
5. Invest in eye protection. "Yeah, yeah, Bomber team, we know you sell sunglasses." But seriously, sunglasses can mark the difference between a fun day in the sun and suffering from heatstroke. Keeping your eyes protected is a good way to trick your body into thinking it's a lot cooler than it actually is -- think of it as reverse psychology, but for your sweat glands. 
6. Try minty body products. Mint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus all have natural cooling qualities that feel really good on a hot day. These essential oils in your shampoo, hand soap, lotion, hand sanitizer, or lip balm can all be that little chilly shock your body needs to feel some relief. It's not much, but slathering on some minty lotion (especially on your hands, shoulders, and face) can give you a great chilly boost.
7. Stick a bowl of ice in front of your fan. This is especially helpful for people who don't have AC (we feel for you, bro), or anyone spending time outdoors where AC isn't an option. Passing over or through the bowl of ice naturally cools down the air as it blows, giving you a DIY air cooler whenever and wherever you need it. 
8. Freeze your bedsheets. Honestly, once you try this one, you'll never go back. A few hours before bed, take the sheets off your bed and chuck 'em in the freezer. (If you're worried about condensation or freezer gunk, stick them in a big plastic bag beforehand.) Sure, it's annoying to have to grab your fitted sheet out of the freezer before bed every night, but in the middle of a heat wave, pulling an icy-cold sheet up over your sun-soaked muscles just feels damn good. Don't knock it before you try it. 
9. Have something spicy. The capsaicin in spicy stuff, like peppers, releases endorphins in our body that are natural heat-fighters. So in a weird way, heating things up is a great way to cool things down. (There's also the added benefit that eating a bunch of spicy stuff makes you want to drink more water.)
10. Cool down your pressure points. If you have to prioritize your body's cooling, stick to pressure points. Pressure points are the parts of your body that are tied most closely to your pulse and your lymphatic system. Applying an ice pack to the backs of your knees, the back of your neck, the crook of your elbow, your wrists, your ankles, or your temples can do a lot to cool down the rest of your body. Don't ask us how it works, it's just science. 

Hopefully these ten tips help you keep cool for the rest of the summer. If you're braving the outdoors, we'd love to see your summer adventures on Instagram @bombereyewear. Otherwise, if you need us, we'll be holding up our ponytails and man buns next to the AC unit. 

Catch ya later!