If you have taken care of yourself through autumn, winter, and spring, then you have the hardest months ahead of you. Summer is that time of the year when healthy habits can deteriorate, and the priority needs to change to sun safety.
Consider these tips to stay healthy:
Keep Hydrated
When the heat hits, dehydration can strike. That’s why it’s important to chug down on a decent amount of water each day. That’s not saying you need 20+ glasses a day or anything crazy. The truth about water consumption is that the optimal amount varies on an individual basis. However, for the typical person, eight glasses a day is a good goal. When working out, aim to take in around 500mL per hour.
Stay In The Shade
Direct UV rays can cause nasty sunburn, ruin your skin tone, and even lead to cancer further down the line. If you like to relax outside, then make sure you stay in the shade. If you don’t already have an umbrella, then consider getting one for your outdoor area. Cantilever models are a good option as they help maximize space.
Protect Your Eyes
You don’t want to scorch your retinas so make sure you cover up your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses can help prevent damage to the whites of your eyes and keep wrinkles at bay.
Go Easy On The Booze
Summer nights offer a good excuse to stay up late and have a few drinks. Just make sure it doesn’t become a few too many. Overdoing it on the alcohol can dry out your skin, cause dehydration, and simply leave you with some nasty hangovers.
Of course, it’s not all bad. 1-2 drinks a day has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease for some people. The problem is that one or two can quickly become five or six or seven or eight.
Maintain Good Sleeping Habits
Even if you don’t drink, staying up late during summer can still wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Try and maintain good sleep hygiene and go to bed at the same time each night. The urge to take a nap during the midday heat can also strike. Try to avoid taking naps unless you can commit to taking one at the same time every day. Doing so will help keep your sleep rhythms in sync.
Beat Stress With A Vacation
Summer is the best time to get away for a few days to unwind. The beach is an ideal destination but anywhere will do. Getting away from the stress of work, as well as breaking free from your routine, will pay dividends for your emotional health.
Conclusion
Summer is the time for fun but don’t let things get out of control. Make sure you protect yourself from the heat and UV rays. Don’t forget to go easy on the liquor and not ruin your sleeping habits. By doing your best to keep your health in check, you will reap the benefits for the rest of the year.
