This morning I realized that its August 1st and time is definitely flying by but summer heat is here to stay for some time. This contest is about how can you beat the summer heat and also enjoy your time. To read the full rules about this contest set up by @thecontesttrain as well as how to participate, check [this]( https://hive.blog/proofofbrain/@thecontesttrain/writing-contest-win-10-shares-of-hivesbi-how-to-beat-the-dog-days-of-summer) out. ![emerson-peters-oBCT3obZ6OY-unsplash.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmZgLtSQdDDHagjv4Bntdo4Ag2jBD4xEvDDBjwP6pEJXF2/emerson-peters-oBCT3obZ6OY-unsplash.jpg) _{Photo by Emerson Peters} _{[Source]( https://unsplash.com/photos/oBCT3obZ6OY)} Summer time does not necessarily have to be filled with sunburns, sweat, pesky insects or plants that flare up your allergies. I try to beat the heat with three main things: making my own popsicle stick flavors, planning indoor activities like board games and outdoor activities such as balloon tennis, frisbee and bring your inner kid out with a water gun fight. Whether you are hosting a mini party this summer or just want to beat the heat, try making your own popsicle sticks with your favorite summer fruits. I have made watermelon, peach and sweet melon flavored sticks and it goes very well with a little greek yogurt. You can even make protein powder popsicle sticks (I made one with protein powder, raspberries and peanut butter) and this was a hit. You will feel instantly refreshed and rejuvenated.

![anton--hSTJdzLDM4-unsplash (1).jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmd2oaUs8j1UDr4gABcF73JY9hfwFgRdh69SWHWDyH9iUp/anton--hSTJdzLDM4-unsplash%20(1).jpg) _{Photo by Anton} _{[Source]( https://unsplash.com/photos/-hSTJdzLDM4)}

![elena-mozhvilo-8keUtGmy0xo-unsplash.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmWJMKbF1qw8XDTdacanytX7CErjgxNUENmLd8LdZjiMgw/elena-mozhvilo-8keUtGmy0xo-unsplash.jpg) _{Photo by Elena Mozhvilo} _{[Source]( https://unsplash.com/photos/8keUtGmy0xo)}

--- Outdoor activities can be a bit tricky during summer time depending on heatstroke warnings, your personal tolerance, humidity and several other factors. For these reasons, I picked activities which don't require you to be an Olympian to participate in such as balloon tennis, frisbee and water gun fights. Lastly, If you are not a board games fan, there are several options out there which will bring out your competitive spirit. Everyone's definition of what is fun can be very different which is why you should explore and find out what works for you to beat the heat. :)

![wolfgang-hasselmann-SUu4Oh0YrIY-unsplash.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmTm7U7u5dbkTHamACJYKkT6ms4imeSe2xUStZc2JGXQ57/wolfgang-hasselmann-SUu4Oh0YrIY-unsplash.jpg) _{Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann} _{[Source]( https://unsplash.com/photos/SUu4Oh0YrIY)}

![joshua-hoehne-c-jTL24e50c-unsplash.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmW1Cucztgz489AqPxTXuSX5wiSFMqrwPpwUwwZtA9zxSU/joshua-hoehne-c-jTL24e50c-unsplash.jpg) _{Photo by Joshua Hoene} _{[Source]( https://unsplash.com/photos/c-jTL24e50c)}