For some people, summer is when they feel their healthiest. You’re less likely to catch a cold or other illnesses, the sun provides you with plenty of vitamin D and can lift your mood, and you don’t feel cold all the time. But staying healthy during the summer can be harder for some than others. There are various things to battle against, from long and hot days to high pollen counts. While some people might thrive in the summer, perhaps you feel like it’s more of a struggle to get through it. If you long for fall to arrive, here’s how you can get through the summer and stay healthy.
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Protect Yourself from the Sun
Sun protection is something that you should think about all year, not just during the summer. The sun is always there, even when it’s cloudy. But when summer arrives, it’s something you need to think about more, with the sun’s rays affecting you more strongly. The idea of getting a tan during the summer might sound appealing, but protecting your skin is more important than looking sun-kissed. Exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and it can also increase your risk of skin cancer.
There are multiple ways to protect yourself from the sun during the summer. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it regularly, especially if you’re swimming or getting wet. Cover up as much as you can when you get dressed too. You can feel much more comfortable in a loose, flowing outfit than in tighter clothes that don’t cover much. Try to sit or walk in the shade when you can too. Although you might be tempted to sunbathe, it’s much healthier not to see directly in the sun. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses when you go out too.
Staying Hydrated in the Summer
When it’s hotter, you sweat more. It’s a fantastically effective way your body has to cool you down, but it also means that you lose more fluids. This can make staying hydrated in the summer challenging. You don’t always feel thirstier and you can get dehydrated without realizing it. Try to carry water with you wherever you go so that you always have something to drink. Set reminders to drink regularly if you have to. If you get dehydrated, you might start to feel dizzy or get a headache. Keep an eye on the color of your urine too – if it’s too dark, you’re not drinking enough.
Dealing with Hay Fever
Hay fever allergies can start to ramp up when spring arrives, and plenty of people suffer from hayfever through the summer too. Finding the right treatment for hay fever can help you to manage your allergies. Many people take a daily antihistamine to help them prevent hay fever symptoms. You might also find that you need extra treatment for asthma if hay fever tends to make it worse. You can take other steps to keep hay fever symptoms at bay too. For example, wearing sunglasses can help to keep pollen away from your eyes. Using an air filter at home can help to trap pollen so that it affects you less.
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Remaining Active in the Heat
Keeping fit during the summer can be tricky if it gets very hot. When the heat is getting to you, working out might be the last thing that you want to do. But warmer days don’t have to prevent you from staying active. One way to keep fit without suffering in the heat is obviously to work out in an air-conditioned environment. Going to the gym or working out at home can be a comfortable way to keep fit during the summer. Another option might be to enjoy water-based activities, where the water and sometimes wind can keep you cool.
If you do want to exercise outdoors, choosing the cooler parts of the day makes sense. That means working out early in the morning or in the evening when it’s not too hot. Even if you’re just going for a walk, it can be more pleasant when the temperature is lower. If you’re exercising outdoors, make sure to wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun. Stay hydrated while you’re working out too.
Getting Enough Sleep
It can be hard to sleep during the summer when the nights are warm. Good air conditioning might make your nights bearable, but not everyone has the luxury of running their air conditioning all night. Sleep is important at any time of the year, but if you’re finding it more difficult during the summer, you need to make your nights more comfortable. Keep your bedroom shaded so that it doesn’t heat up during the day.
Watch What You Eat
There can be a lot of great food around during the summer. Whether you’re out grilling in the backyard or attending a summer party, you have plenty of opportunities to indulge. But keeping up a healthy diet is important during the summer. Be sure to eat everything in moderation as much as you can, even if you decide to really indulge on a few occasions. It’s ok to treat yourself, but it’s also a good idea to avoid having too many summer treats. Watch your alcohol intake too. Summer cocktails or a cold beer or glass of wine might be nice to relax with, but try not to overdo it.
Travel Safely
If you’re going traveling during the summer or taking a vacation, be careful on your trip. When visiting foreign countries, check if you can drink the tap water and be aware of any issues with food poisoning or unsafe foods. Brush up on any local issues that you might need to be aware of, from wild animals to problems with crime, so that you can stay safe and healthy during your trip. No matter where you’re going, you need to take care of yourself.
Summertime can be a struggle, but you can keep fit and healthy during the summer months if you wish!
Thank you for reading!
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