Summer has arrived, and with it comes endless opportunities to frolic under the sun, hit the beach, dine al fresco with friends and family, and embrace an overall happy-go-lucky attitude. However, while summertime may bring a welcomed respite from our daily grind, it’s crucial not to forget about ensuring that we maintain good health during these warmer months. To help you make the most of this season without sacrificing your wellbeing, here are 10 essential summer health tips guaranteed to keep you feeling great all summer long!
Introduction to Summer Health
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, get active, and spend time with family and friends. However, it’s also important to be aware of the potential health risks that come with the hot weather. From dehydration and heat exhaustion to insect bites and sunburn, there are a number of things to watch out for during the summer months.
Here are some essential summer health tips to help you enjoy a safe and healthy season:
Drink plenty of fluids: Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or other fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these can actually contribute to dehydration.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing: When it’s hot outside, wear clothes that are made from light, breathable fabrics. Clothing that is tight or constricting can trap heat and lead to discomfort or even heat rash.
Protect your skin: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before spending any time outdoors. Be sure to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. And don’t forget about your lips – use a lip balm with SPF protection.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous in the heat, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion. Get out of the sun and into a cool, shady area immediately and drink lots of fluids. If symptoms
Avoid Sunburns
We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen, but sometimes we forget or don’t reapply often enough. This can lead to painful sunburns that can ruin your summer fun. Make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Seek shade when possible, and wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important summer health tips is to keep your body hydrated. When the weather is hot, our bodies sweat more and we need to replenish the fluids we’ve lost.
The best way to stay hydrated is to drink lots of water throughout the day. Try carrying a water bottle with you so you can take sips when you feel thirsty. It’s also important to avoid sugary drinks like soda as they can actually make you more dehydrated.
If you’re exercising or spending time outside in the heat, be sure to drink even more water than usual. You might also want to try sports drinks or coconut water which can help replace electrolytes that are lost through sweating. And if you’re feeling nauseous or have a headache, it could be a sign of dehydration so reach for a glass of water first and see if that helps.
Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating means being present and fully engaged with what you’re eating. This means no distractions (like TV or work), and really savoring the taste, texture, smell, and appearance of your food. Mindful eating has been shown to improve digestion and help people control their weight in the long-term.
To eat mindfully, start by sitting down at a table with your food in front of you. Take a few deep breaths and notice how you’re feeling. Are you hungry? Stressed? Anxious? Pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you.
Then, take a small bite of food and chew slowly, focusing on the taste and texture. Notice how your body feels after each bite. Are you still hungry? Satisfied? Full?
If you find your mind wandering, simply bring your focus back to your food and the sensations you’re experiencing. The goal is to eat slowly and without distraction so that you can truly enjoy your meal and be aware of how your body is reacting to it.
Get Outside Regularly
When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than spending time outside. Fresh air and sunshine are great for your health, and can help improve your mood and energy levels.
Make a point to get outside regularly this Summer Health Tips, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. Go for a walk in your neighborhood, have a picnic in the park, or simply spend some time relaxing in your backyard.
If you can, try to get outside early in the day to enjoy the morning sunshine. Getting some natural vitamin D can help improve your sleep, boost your immune system, and give you an energy boost for the day ahead.
Protect Your Skin Through Sunscreen
In order to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it is essential that you wear sunscreen when you are outdoors. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it liberally to all exposed areas of skin. Reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Exercise Regularly
It’s no secret that regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health. But during the summer months, it’s especially important to stay active and get outside as often as possible. Not only does exercise help improve your overall health, but it can also boost your mood and energy levels, help you sleep better, and reduce stress.
So what are the best ways to stay active during the summer? Here are a few ideas:
- Get outside and go for a walk, run, or bike ride. If you can, do this first thing in the morning before it gets too hot outside.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost fitness classes offered at community centers or local parks.
- Join a sports league or participate in weekly pick-up games with friends.
- Go swimming at a local pool or lake.
- Take your workout outdoors by doing bodyweight exercises in your backyard or at a nearby park.
Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
- Get on a regular sleep schedule
- Create a bedtime routine to help you wind down
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
- Limit exposure to blue light in the evening
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
- Get up and move around during the day
Manage Stress Levels
Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also important to take care of your health. Here are some tips to help you have a healthy summer:
Manage Stress Levels
With warmer weather and longer days, summer can be a busy time for many people. It’s important to take time for yourself and relax when you can. Try some stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation or spending time in nature.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Carry a water bottle with you when you’re out in the heat.
Wear Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to apply it to often-forgotten areas like your neck and ears.
Keep Socializing Safely
As we head into summer, it’s important to keep our health and safety top of mind. Here are a few essential tips to help you enjoy a happy and healthy summer season:
- Keep socializing safely – Summer is a great time to get together with friends and family, but it’s important to do so safely. If you’re hosting a gathering, be sure to follow all CDC guidelines for safe socializing, including maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks when indoors, and disinfecting surfaces regularly.
- Stay hydrated – Heat can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol, which can further dehydrate you.
- Protect your skin – Spending time outdoors means exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Cover up exposed skin with clothing, hats, and sunglasses when possible.
- Stay active – There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer months, so get out there and stay active! Just be sure to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion by taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning as needed.
- Watch for signs of illness – Summertime is prime season for illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Be sure to check for ticks
Conclusion
Taking the time to maintain good health in the summer months is essential for keeping yourself feeling energized, fit, and stress-free all season long. With these 10 essential summer health tips, you can make sure that your best season yet is filled with happy memories, good vibes — and great physical health. Enjoy every moment of it!
