Summer is the hottest season of the year and it’s also the time when most people get to have a break from their daily stressors like school or work. Since life is less chaotic during summer, there’s no better time to improve your health and overall well-being. However, there are also consequences in trying to get healthy during summer. For instance, the weather is hotter so it’s easier to get light-headed. UV rays from the sun are also even more damaging to your skin. The heat can make you feel lazy and it can make delicious but unhealthy cold treats seem even more mouth-watering as well. Before you give in to any unhealthy temptations, here are eight tips you can follow for a healthy, productive summer.
Tip #1: Stay hydrated
Beat the summer heat by staying hydrated at all times. Drink plenty of water to prevent illness and dehydration, and to fuel all of your activities throughout the day. Stay off flavoured beverages since they’re most likely filled with sugar which is very damaging to your diet and overall health.
Tip #2: Eat more berries
Berries are in season during summer so there’s no better excuse for you to eat more of them. Berries, particularly blackberries and blueberries, are rich in antioxidants which will help fight the damage-causing free radicals in your body. Since UV rays can cause free radicals, consuming more berries can counteract the damage that the summer UV rays have caused thereby preventing age-related illnesses and tissue damage. Plus, berries are rich in fiber, which aids in your digestion and keeps your cholesterol levels low.
Tip #3: Make some smoothies
Apart from berries, a whole lot of other fruits are in season during summer. To get the nutritional benefits of many of these fruits, throw a variety of them in a blender and make a smoothie. You can even add some vegetables in the mix for a really delicious and nutritious drink.
Tip #4: Always use sunscreen
Harmful UV rays are even more abundant when the sun is shining its brightest in the summer season. Protect your skin from untimely skin-aging and age-related illnesses by applying sunscreen at all times. Make sure you’re using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and PA++ for coverage from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the sunscreen at least an hour before sun exposure and reapply every 2-3 hours.
Tip #4: Exercise more
Because there are fewer things you need to worry about during summer, you have no more excuse to skip exercising. Try out a new exercise routine and couple it with a healthy diet. Don’t forget to stay hydrated in order to replenish all of the fluids you lost while working out.
Tip #5: Plant
One great way to relieve stress during the summer is by planting. Even if you’re not a green thumb, there’s no better time than summer to start planting flowers or herbs. Taking care of the plants is therapeutic and it’s very satisfying to see them bloom or ready for harvesting, as is the case with herbs.
Tip #6: Spend time with your family
Summer is a great time to strengthen your relationship with your family especially if you spend most of the year in the office. Plan a barbecue or have a trip with your family. Spending time with your family and friends is one of the many ways you can live a happy life.
Tip #7: Take a dive
Swimming is one of the most common ways people cool off during the summer. Make good use of the time you spend in the pool by working out through swimming. A 30-minute session of a full body workout in the water can burn as much as 400 calories. Just make sure you put sunscreen to prevent getting sunburned.
Tip #8: Wear shades
Your eyes need protection too from the harmful UV rays. Wear shades at all times especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is at its peak. Only wear shades that have UV protection. Otherwise, you might be causing more damage to your eyes.
