The sun is out, the temperature is rising, and the days are getting longer. Summer is the perfect time to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle, so here are some simple dos and don’ts to get you into the swing of things. If you follow these simple guidelines, this may just be your happiest and healthiest summer yet.
Do:
- Drink lots of water.
Whether or not you’re doing lots of physical activity this summer, you should remain hydrated at all times. Aside from helping you keep cool and hydrated, drinking lots of water has so many benefits. It fights aging, flushes toxins, speeds up your metabolism and keeps your skin clear. There really isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t be drinking more water this summer. - Eat more salad.
Ditch the heavy comfort food meals like burgers with mac and cheese, and fill up on lighter, leafy fare. Add some grilled chicken breasts or steak to your salad for an extra kick of protein. For those of us with a sweet tooth, seasonal fruit salads are a healthy indulgence alternative. They’re delicious and packed with the vitamins and fiber that keep us healthy without any of the guilt. - Take up an outdoor activity.
It’s not uncommon to be filled with dread at the thought of exercising in this heat, but you don’t have to go to the local gym to get your body moving. This season has the perfect weather to take up some kind of outdoor activity to keep you active and breathing in that fresh air. Check your local community listings for things like hot yoga in the park, or disc golf leagues. They’re a great way to get fit and make new friends. And you’ll be having so much fun you won’t even realise you’re exercising. - Wear more natural fabrics.
If you want to keep cool, try and avoid wearing synthetic fibres that make you sticky and sweaty. Opt for comfortable and breezy fabric choices, like linens and pure cottons.
Don’t:
- Skimp on the sunscreen.
By now you should be well aware of the negative effects of severe sunburn. Other than being extremely uncomfortable, sun burns can cause skin cancer. It’s important to always make sure that your skin is well protected by a heavy duty sunscreen, particularly when participating in outdoor activities. If you have sensitive or oily skin, look for specialty brands that are oil free and hypoallergenic. - Stay inside all thee time.
As tempting as it might be to chill out in front of the TV with the air conditioner on full throttle, lots of time indoors just isn’t good for you. Sunlight provides a great dose of vitamin D, which is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. Vitamin D is good for the skin, promotes heart heart and bone help and has even been known to help ease depression and anxiety. - Drink too much alcohol.
Drinking a cocktail in the sun may seem like the ideal way to spend your Saturday afternoon, but it’s actually very dangerous. Excessive drinking and exposure to heat will dehydrate you and make you very sick. Be smart and responsible when celebrating. - Forget to take it easy.
However you’re spending your summer, don’t forget to relax and have fun. If you are making any big healthy lifestyle changes, don’t forget to start slowly and pace yourself for the long term.
