If you’re a health-conscious person, you probably take steps every day to eat right, stay active, and protect your skin. Looking for something new to try this summer? Consider enacting at least one of the health tips from this list.
Watch Your Sun Exposure
Many people view summer as the time to work on their tan, but it’s important to take sun protection seriously. Every time you get sunburned, or even tanned, ultraviolet rays damage your skin. Be sure to apply sunscreen whenever you spend more than a few minutes outside, and avoid sitting in the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
Protect Your Eyes
Your skin isn’t the only thing that’s sensitive to prolonged sun exposure. When spending time outside, remember to also wear UV-blocking sunglasses. This health tip reduces the risk of cataracts and wrinkles around your eyes. Then, remember to wear protective eyeglasses when playing sports and mowing the lawn.
Drink More Water
Summer is the most common season for dehydration. Even if you think you drink enough water, strive to drink even more, especially while spending time outside. If you wait until you’re thirsty to take a sip, you’re already exhibiting one of the early symptoms of dehydration. Does plain water bore you? Steer clear of sugary soda and sports drinks, and enhance the flavor of your water with fruit slices instead.
Exercise Outside
In the winter, your workouts tend to be confined to the gym. In the summer, you have more options, including hiking, biking, swimming, rollerblading, or playing tag in the backyard with your kids. On very hot days, remember this health tip: bring your workout back inside to avoid heat exhaustion.
Learn How to Make Green Smoothies
Not all smoothies are created equal. Those made with ice cream or frozen yogurt are more like milkshakes. To avoid hidden calories, make your own smoothies at home. Use frozen fruit for sweetness, Greek yogurt for protein, and almond milk for creaminess. A handful of spinach or other leafy vegetables makes it a green smoothie, which packs an even healthier punch. Finish off with flax seeds or chia seeds to amp up the nutritional value even more!
Try a New Hobby
Summer health tips aren’t just about protecting your skin and helping you lose weight—they are also about keeping your sanity while the kids are out of school! Consider starting a new hobby as a family to help you spend quality time together this summer. Gardening is a great option, especially if you plant vegetables that you can harvest later in the season.
Go Light on the Alcohol
Summer is a time for late nights, barbecues, weddings, and lazy days by the pool. These warm-weather activities are often paired with alcohol, so it’s easy to overdo it. If you can resist the temptation, the healthiest choice is to avoid alcohol altogether. If you want to enjoy a drink with your friends, choose a light option such as sangria (wine or brandy diluted with juice), wine spritzer (chilled wine and club soda), or a low-ABV beer.
Adjust Your Sleep Routine
It’s tempting to stay out until the wee hours of the morning when it’s warm outside, but late summer nights can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and get eight hours of sleep each night to keep your energy levels at their peak.
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