It is much easier to enjoy the summer weather when you’re healthy and energetic. Here are 7 simple ways to stay healthy all summer long.
1. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important steps to staying healthy during the summer months. Drinking plenty of water will help you keep your energy up, stay cool, and prevent heat exhaustion.
Your body needs water to stay healthy all year round but it is especially important in the hot weather. Drinking enough water also helps control your appetite—your body has a hard time distinguishing between hunger and thirst, so if you drink plenty of water, you won’t make the mistake of eating extra calories when you are actually just thirsty.
2. Always Wear Sunscreen
Sun damage has painful short-term effects and devastating long term effects. Use moisturizer with sunscreen every morning and apply sunscreen with a high SPF before any outdoor activities.
3. Choose Active Recreation
Exercise is essential to staying healthy, but you don’t have to give up summer fun. Simply choose recreational activities that keep you active. Walk on the beach, go hiking in the mountains, bike through a canyon, surf in the ocean, or swim in your neighborhood pool. Staying active can be fun and social—make time this summer for exercise without sacrificing playtime.
4. Prepare Healthy Snacks and Meals
The summer heat can make cooking sound miserable, but don’t let that steer you toward take-out every night. Prepare healthy snacks and meals that don’t require cooking.
Easy options include:
- Sandwiches
- Cold cereal
- Homemade smoothies
- Yogurt
- Carrots, cucumbers, and celery sticks
- Green salads with nuts and fruit
5. Make Time For Sleep
It may be tempting to stay up late on the longer summer days, but getting a regular amount of sleep is essential to your overall health. Shoot for 7-8 hours each night.
6. Drink Responsibly
A little bit of alcohol can help you cool off and relax, but too much can interfere with sleep, sap your energy, and contribute to bad decisions. Choose light drinks, don’t drink too much, and have plenty of water whenever you drink alcoholic beverages.
7. Give Yourself A Break
Summer is a great time to relax and de-stress. Your mental health is an important part of your overall health, so setting aside some time for relaxation will do your mind and body good. Take a bubble bath, dance with friends, read books on the beach, or walk around outside—whatever helps you calm down and breath a little easier.
Staying healthy all summer long doesn’t have to be hard—follow the tips above for a happy healthy summer.