You're probably not sleeping properly. Neither are the kids. You're angry. I'm angry! We all need to chill out.

Venturing outside of your air-conditioned home, office or workplace seems downright dumb. But it might well prove a smart decision. And a cool one, too.  Here are some tips to survive Canberra's summer heatwave.

I'd pay $20 just to sit inside one of those comfy air-conditioned theatres, so whatever's shown on the big screen is a bonus. Among the new releases, the new DC blockbuster Aquaman and the remake of the 1970s Australian classic Stormboy are appropriate given the circumstances. As the sun sets and the weather cools (sort of), the outdoor cinema in front of the National Library of Australia will be screening Once upon a Deadpool (Tickets $20 at openaircinemas.com.au/canberra/faqs). Pack a rug and a cold beverage (no alcohol or glass). That's chilled.

It's well established that trees cool their surrounds, so why not spent the day among them? I suspect visitors to the Australian National Botanic Gardens will spend a little longer than usual in the misty rainforest section.

For those who take pleasure in watching others exert themselves in extreme conditions while relaxing in comfort, Bleachers Sports Bar on Northbourne Avenue is the place to be. Watch the Australian Open while drinking beer and eating deep fried food. Need I say more? (Probably, but I haven't the will).

If you're more into pre-Raphaelite art than current Rafael Nadal on-court artistry, the National Gallery of Australia is for you. The Love and Desire exhibition (tickets from $20) is worth a peek, as is a wander through the paintings and installations on permanent display. The air-conditioned halls of the Australian War Memorial and National Library of Australia are busy year around, but they'll be particularly popular as the temperature climbs past 40 degrees on Thursday.

The National Museum of Australia is offering visitors the chance to experience Antarctica without, you know, going to Antarctica. The virtual reality adventure allows patrons to explore the frozen continent via helicopter, visit Davis Station and marvel at the southern lights. Word of warning, the exhibition isn't recommended for children under the age of 13, or for people with certain medical conditions.

Canberra is well stocked with public pools indoor and out, and they'll be well patronised throughout today's scorcher. The various watering holes dotted across the territory (think Casuarina Sands, Uriarra Crossing) are known hot spots to cool off. Prefer a little more privacy, and aren't blessed with your own background pool? Why not gather some friends, pool your funds (see what I did there) and buy your own? Big W sells inflatable pools of various shapes and sizes from $24.

"Wet towel over fan. Feet in esky." was a suggestion put forward by one of my esteemed colleagues. I presume he meant these tricks should be tried in the comfort of your home, and not in the office or workplace. But whatever floats your boat. Another co-worker recommended running cold water over your wrists and other pulse points (smart cookie), while another said nothing beats a cold shower. Can't argue with that.

Desperate times, desperate measures. The end of the heatwave is in sight, but for those with little patience (and thick wallets), there's always ... the northern hemisphere. Qantas will get from Canberra to London for $1008 one way. From there it's a short connecting flight to Stockholm, and it's balmy minus 12-degree temperatures. That's one way to chill out!

As uncomfortable as this summer heatwave might be for you and I, there are many, many others doing it far, far tougher. There's those sleeping rough, who'll spend the day looking for some shade and brief respite. Think of the pensioners and struggling families who'd be thinking twice about switching on the air conditioner or fan, fearing the shock of the next power bill.  Spare a thought too for the animals, particularly those with absent owners. A little perspective might be as a useful as a cool beverage or trip to the pool in enduring this heatwave.

Stay cool Canberra, it'll cool down eventually.