9 Cheap Ways To Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning This Summer

Posted on 26/06/2025 by Boris Clair

Tough news for fellow heatwave haters – this weekend is set to be yet another scorcher.

Speaking to HuffPost UK previously, Richard Millard, senior sustainability consultant at Building Energy Experts, explained that buildings in the UK provide uniquely uncomfortable conditions in hot weather.

Not only are they designed to hold onto heat for longer, have smaller windows, and offer less ventilation, but – crucially – “Unlike many hotter climates (and increasingly, northern European countries), air conditioning is not standard in most UK homes, workplaces, or public buildings.”

Many houses, especially older ones, in the UK are unsuitable for air conditioning (and that’s not considering the eye-watering cost).

So it’s a good thing members of r/Frugal have shared their “frugal ways to stay cool without an air conditioner.”

Here are some of the most upvoted comments:

1) “As soon as it gets cooler outside than inside the house (8-9pm), we open the windows on both sides and keep room doors open to allow for airflow.”

“In the morning, we close the windows AND curtains when it gets warmer outside than inside (9-10am).

“When it gets hotter, we will use box fans (one side of the house blowing in and one side blowing out) to encourage air to flow through.”

Credit: [deleted]

Credit: u/Particular-Ad-4772

3) “Sleep in your coolest room.”

“That may be north-facing since the north avoids any direct sunlight.”

Credit: u/Goge97

4) “Freeze several bags of water in freezer-safe bags (lay them flat in the freezer).”

“Once frozen, sandwich it between some towels. Rotate the block of frozen sheets when no longer cold.

“I lay on the cold towels, and my dogs lay in their dog bed with theirs too.”

Credit: u/RiverBlitz

Writer’s note: Other commenters have suggested freezing a water bottle instead, while some experts say freezing a hot water bottle filled with water works great too.

“Keep [your home] dark.”

Credit: u/slowsnale

6) “The best I could do [without air conditioning] was put a cold, damp (NOT DRIPPING WET) towel on the fan.”

“Worked for me.”

Credit: u/Uberchelle

7) “Don’t cook anything on the stove or oven on the worst days (lots of salads, sandwiches, and slow cooker meals like pulled pork on those days).”

“These have helped us tremendously.”

Credit: u/TotallyNotABot_Shhhh

Credit: u/Iuvdab3achx0x0

9) “It’s messy, but putting a source of ice in front of a fan and having a fan blow over it is also very helpful.”

Credit: u/wridergal

Do you have other tips? Let us know!

These 6 Signs Of ‘Laziness’ May Prove You Actually Just Need Support

Posted on 25/06/2025 by Boris Clair

Author and psychologist Devon Price doesn’t just think “lazy” is a harsh term – in an interview with NPR, he said he doesn’t think the attribute really even exists.

Instead, the expert suggests, the word is bandied about to shame people into prioritising productivity over health.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, consultant psychologist and founder of London mental health clinic Nos Curare, Dr Bijal Chheda, said that so-called “laziness” really can be a sign of mental health issues and neurodivergence.

She shared seven behaviours some may label “lazy” that might indicate you actually need more support:

1) Struggling to get out of bed

“For many people living with mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, just getting out of bed in the morning can feel impossible,” Dr Chheda said.

“This is especially the case after high-energy periods where intense emotional highs are followed by a sudden crash that reflects physically.”

During very high-activity spells, people with bipolar can push themselves far beyond their limits, the psychologist told us.

“In these cases, exhaustion is so overwhelming it can feel physically paralysing, making even simple tasks feel impossible.”

2) Skipping basic self-care steps

Missing showers, not brushing your teeth, and wearing the same clothes for days can leave some people feeling “lazy.”

But, Dr Chheda told us, “Neglecting personal hygiene or even basic self-maintenance tasks, such as eating regularly, can actually stem from feelings of numbness or hopelessness, symptoms often linked to major depressive disorder (MDD).”

During these times, the brain shifts into survival mode, leaving your previous routine in the dust.

“It’s not a lack of responsibility, but a sign that the mind is prioritising basic emotional survival over everyday functioning,” she shared.

3) Withdrawing from social occasions

Cancelling plans, though impolite, can be a sign of overwhelm, says Dr Chheda.

“To many neurodivergent individuals, especially on the autism spectrum, this can be a protective response to overstimulation,” she wrote.

“This type of sensory overload is typically triggered by loud environments or unpredictable social dynamics, causing them to retreat from group settings for indefinite periods at a time. In these instances, even brief conversations or small talk can be extremely mentally taxing.”

4) Procrastinating

Sometimes, the psychologist explained, there’s a science behind why you keep putting that one task off.

“Due to low dopamine levels (the hormone associated with motivation and reward), for example, individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have difficulty with task initiation,” she told us.

“Combined with time blindness (the inability to keep track of time) it makes it harder to gauge how long certain tasks will take.”

5) Decision fatigue

If the thought of choosing dinner one more time is enough to make you nope out of the meal altogether, Dr Chheda says that may be a red flag.

“If someone’s default answers are ‘I don’t care’ or ‘you choose,’ they might not be indecisive or indifferent. In fact, they might just be mentally exhausted,” she advised.

People living with generalised anxiety disorder or high-functioning depression may be especially more likely to show the sign, the expert continued.

“While often appearing composed on the outside, their minds work in overdrive, internalising their issues. As such, the burden of making daily decisions while battling intrusive thoughts wears down the brain, making even the simplest choices feel debilitating.”

6) Not following through on your goals

Not doing what you said you would can make you feel guilty, but sometimes it’s down to your dopamine, Dr Chheda said.

“These patterns are… classic symptoms of emotional dysregulation caused by low dopamine levels, common in individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder and ADHD. This is why these two conditions are often misdiagnosed as one another.”

Some with the condition can have weeks or months of intense, overactive motivation, followed by long, uninterrupted lulls.

“The turbulence makes it difficult to maintain momentum, forcing them to leave goals unfinished, even ones they were once excited about,” the psychologist ended.

Noticing one, more, or all of these signs does not definitely mean you are neurodivergent or have a mental health issue.

But if your day-to-day life is affected by your mood, stress, or exhaustion, speak to a professional about how to address it.

Help and support:

Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.

‘I Haven’t Had Sex With My Girlfriend Of 5 Years. Are My Instincts Off?’

Posted on 23/06/2025 by Boris Clair

There’s no set figure for how little sex is too little.

Indeed, some researchers found that only 26% of couples hit the once-weekly mark – speaking to The New York Times, multiple married pairs reported happy, sex-free marriages.

Couples counsellor and author of The Couples Communication Handbook, Raffi Bilek, previously told HuffPost UK the tipping point is usually “whatever amount is causing arguments”.

Writing to Reddit’s r/AITAH (Am I The Asshole Here) forum recently, site user renelemely suggested he was approaching that point of “resentment” with his partner.

“My girlfriend and I have never [had] sex, and it’s been almost five years. Am I the asshole?,” he asked.

We spoke to psychologist Veronica West, founder and lead Content Creator of My Thriving Mind, about when sexual incompatibility is a dealbreaker – and when it can be overcome.

The pair have never had sex

The poster shared that he’s never slept with his girlfriend in their five-year relationship.

At first, he said, he thought she was a little shy and wanted to go slow. “I was just excited for the time to come… and it still hasn’t come,” OP (the original poster) wrote.

When he tries to bring it up, she gets very upset and says the topic makes her feel extremely guilty. She has recently shared that the main reason behind the mismatch is her lack of sex drive.

“She is beautiful and smart, and she has a good job,” OP added. “We live together and her family love me. We do everything together, and I miss her when she’s not around.”

Still, he wonders if he “can live like this”, and feels increasing “resentment” towards his partner and is hoping she can change.

Sexual incompatibility doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker

West shared that even though a lot of couples struggle to address sexual incompatibility, it isn’t a “death sentence” for the relationship.

“What really counts is what both parties feel about it,” she added. “If both parties are willing to get curious and find options, there is room to build something positive.”

When asked whether most relationships can survive a complete sexual mismatch, she responded: “Sometimes, sometimes not.”

Compromise, she said, is not always a “meet in the middle” scenario when it comes to sex. “You can’t really compromise to have sex one and a half times per week and feel like you’ve won,” she advised.

“It’s about emotional and physical needs being met in a way that feels respectful and genuine.”

That can take the form of physical contact with no sexual expectation, experimenting with open relationships, seeing a therapist, and communicating your needs often.

“But no matter the route, the two of them have to actually agree, not begrudgingly go along and hope the other [one] of them will change their mind next month,” West continued.

“It becomes a dealbreaker when the mismatch turns into a chronic emotional ache.”

Refusal to discuss the topic is one red flag.

And, she ended: “If one partner starts to feel invisible or chronically rejected, or the other feels guilt every time the topic comes up, the tension is no longer just about sex – it is about identity, resentment, and unmet needs.”

Suddenly Have More Responsibility At Work? It Might Be A Career Red Flag

Posted on 22/06/2025 by Boris Clair

Most of us associate being given more power (and, therefore, responsibility) at work with a higher chance of promotion and even potentially better pay.

But speaking to HuffPost UK, Adrien Kallel, a recruitment specialist at international hiring agency RemotePeople, said that sometimes, it can be a warning sign.

“Sometimes, people assume the worst only after it’s already happened,” the expert said.

“But by recognising the patterns early on, you can prepare and protect yourself. Keep your CV current, stay in touch with your wider network, and build good relationships with recruiters, that way you’re ready to move if needed.”

Why would being given more responsibility hurt my career?

Though more trust and a broader job scope can seem like a welcome and promising change (and often is), Kallel cautions that if it comes out of nowhere and is overwhelming, it can be a “trap.”

“This tactic can be subtle,” the recruiter said. “A manager might present it as a development opportunity. You’re told it’s your time to shine, maybe even hinted that a promotion is around the corner.

“But if the expectations suddenly become unrealistic and you’re set up to miss targets, it could be part of a plan to phase you out.”

Putting an overwhelming amount of work on an employee may be a sneaky way to label them as “underperforming,” he advised. That way, a manager can point to their inability to meet impossible goals when phasing a worker out.

What should I do if I notice this happening?

“If your objectives are being dramatically adjusted, or the workload triples with no clear timeline or support, it’s essential to protect yourself,” Kallel stated.

“Start by calmly raising your concerns in writing, not just verbally.”

You should be as specific as you can in your wording. Ask, What are the new expectations? What support will be provided? What does success look like under these new terms?

“Getting this in writing shows you’re willing, but also creates a record if the situation worsens,” Kallel says.

Even though it’s not a great feeling, the expert says workers should trust our guts.

“If something feels off, it probably is,” he admitted.

“These are conversations worth having early, not when HR is already involved.”

Let’s Settle This: Is Psyllium Husk Really ‘Nature’s Ozempic’?

Posted on 21/06/2025 by Boris Clair

GI surgeon Dr Karan Rajan seems pretty fond of psyllium husk.

In a video posted last year, he extolled the virtues of the cheap, soluble fibre-rich supplement, explaining it can help to cure both constipation and diarrhoea.

It is also, he added, pointing to this 2021 review of studies, “useful in some types of IBS.”

But the surgeon never claimed, as others have, that the beneficial addition is “nature’s Ozempic.”

On social media, doctors like Dr Enaka Yembe claim that psyllium husk is a “poor man’s” alternative to GLP-1RI injections, or weight loss jabs like Ozempic or Mounjaro.

But Dr Duane Mellor, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, said: “There’s no magic secret to the effects of psyllium husk – and most high fibre foods, like pulses and oats, will have a similar appetite curbing impact.”

So, we asked doctors what’s really going on.

There is some merit to the argument, but doctors don’t think it stacks up

Dr Brynna Connor, a family doctor and healthcare ambassador at North West Pharmacy, said that psyllium husk really can support weight loss.

“Psyllium husk is a soluble fibre that absorbs water after consumption, which turns it into a gel-like substance that expands in the stomach,” she told HuffPost UK.

“This gel takes more time for your body to break down, which prolongs the feeling of fullness,” – which is the effect that weight loss injections aim to achieve, but through mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, instead.

Registered dietitian Avery Zenker added that, “Eating fibre can support the body’s own GLP-1 response,” though she adds, “it’s important to understand that this effect is much more modest and variable than what’s seen with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.”

So, Dr Connor pointed out, “calling it ‘nature’s Ozempic’ is misleading, as psyllium husk and Ozempic are two very different substances that function differently in the body.”

Additionally, she shared, “There haven’t been any head-to-head studies comparing the effects of psyllium husk and Ozempic on weight loss (however, the individual studies of psyllium husk and Ozempic show that Ozempic leads to greater weight loss).”

Does this mean psyllium husk isn’t helpful?

Not at all. Zenker says that, “Psyllium husk and oats are great sources of soluble fibre, which slows digestion, helps stabilise blood sugar, and can support a feeling of fullness.”

It can also boost your microbiome, she stated.

Fibre is key to good heart, brain, and gut health, and even a reduced risk of bowel cancer. 90% of us do not eat the NHS-recommended 30g of fibre daily; the supplement may help you reach that goal.

Still, while psyllium husk is a welcome addition to many peoples’ diets (though you should consult your GP if you have a history of Crohn’s or intestinal blockages), no, it is not “nature’s Ozempic.”

Help and support:

‘I Love Normal Cheaters Now’ – Professors Share How AI Is Changing Student Assessment

Posted on 20/06/2025 by Boris Clair

A couple of months ago, Dr Jonathan Fine – a lecturer in German Studies – shared an X post that made me laugh, then wince.

“I love normal cheaters now,” the academic wrote. “A student admitted to getting help from a person on an assignment, and I didn’t even penalise him because I was just so happy it wasn’t AI.”

It’s a sentiment I’ve seen echoed by other professors since.

And in a recent TikTok, Dr Steven Buckley, a lecturer in Media Digital Sociology who also helps his university to assess cases of academic misconduct, shared that he’d seen a dissertation with what appeared to be “hallucinated” references.

We spoke to Dr Fine and Dr Buckley about their experiences.

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I love normal cheaters now. A student admitted to getting help from a person on an assignment, and I didn’t even penalize him because I was just so happy it wasn’t AI.

— Jonathan Fine (@jonathanbfine) April 25, 2025

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I love normal cheaters now. A student admitted to getting help from a person on an assignment, and I didn’t even penalize him because I was just so happy it wasn’t AI.

— Jonathan Fine (@jonathanbfine) April 25, 2025

Dr Fine says he’s been “paranoid” about machine learning for a long time

Dr Fine, who teaches in a language not native to most of his students, says he doesn’t think his experiences are typical of those teaching the humanities.

“I teach German, so I’ve been paranoid about machine translation ever since I started teaching,” he said.

“That’s always been my default attitude when reading student writing, so AI hasn’t been a major change for me or a big loss of trust in the students.”

Still, he says, “I don’t allow students to use AI, and I tell them at the beginning of class how awkward the conversation is when they’re caught, but they use it anyway.”

He assigns a lot of in-class writing, which means it’s clear when AI has been used by a student. The lecturer says it reads very differently from their usual work.

“When I catch a student using AI, I try to use it as a teaching moment,” he told HuffPost UK.

“I talk to the students about how my job is to help them improve, but I really can’t help a computer. If students were to reoffend, then I’d have to escalate the situation as a violation of academic policies.”

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Every justification I come across for the widespread academic use of artificial intelligence presupposes an ideal student user that does not exist. https://t.co/5TF4YNaYpe

— Jonathan Fine (@jonathanbfine) June 19, 2025

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Every justification I come across for the widespread academic use of artificial intelligence presupposes an ideal student user that does not exist. https://t.co/5TF4YNaYpe

— Jonathan Fine (@jonathanbfine) June 19, 2025

Dr Buckley says about 70% of papers he’s seen flagged for academic misconduct seem to involve AI

Dr Buckley, who stressed he was speaking from a purely personal perspective, said that he’s seen the use of AI grow “rapidly” in the past two to three years.

Though his experience with AI has only been in the humanities (Dr Buckley said it may be different for STEM subjects), he says AI “has forced me and many of my colleagues to reconsider how we evaluate what students have learnt in our modules and certainly change the type of assessments we use.”

It’s encouraged some to consider more in-person exams or placing higher weight on in-lecture presentation, he claimed.

“I personally consider the use of AI to be a huge problem as it essentially outsources the learning process for students,” he added (a recent MIT study suggested that those who use generative AI may lose critical thinking skills).

“These days, many students simply do not do any of the reading of the actual academic material and instead rely on things like ChatGPT or Notebook LM to provide a summary. These summaries are often at best very shallow and at worst are totally incorrect.”

Nonetheless, he said, some students accept these summaries uncritically.

Of all the cases of potential academic misconduct flagged to him, he says, “at least 70% of cases involve the use of generative AI in some form.”

His university does not use AI detectors when checking student work, as they can be inaccurate.

“When a member of staff suspects use of AI, they typically report it, and after following a process, it may end up coming to an independent panel in the school, which I sit on.

“I then personally go through the essay, checking things like quotes, references, use of language, etc, to come up with a set of questions to ask the student.”

He looks for red flags like hallucinated references. Sometimes when asked about their paper, students suspected of cheating using AI “do not know or understand” the theories and arguments in their essays.

″Plus,” the lecturer added, “they often read like shit.”