Summer is here, and hopefully, that means the temperatures are set to soar. The warmer months are a great time to get some extra health tips going. It is always easier to motivate yourself when the sun is shining, and any changes you make now can become new healthier habits to carry forward into the autumn and winter – making sure you do not slip backwards. Here are five great summer health tips that you can incorporate into your life.
Start Running
With the longer days now is a perfect time to start running. It is lighter for much longer, so there is more daylight after you have finished work for the day. Running is great because it is free and doesn’t require any expensive equipment. If you want to purchase something, trainers are your best bet. Having well fitting, supportive trainers are an excellent way to look after your feet. Start with realistic goals and just head out for a short run, or even start a walk-run program where you walk for 3 minutes and run for 1. This helps your body get used to being more active.
Stay Hydrated
Most people do not drink enough water – ever. The human body is great at surviving on less fluid that it would like, but that doesn’t mean we should punish it like that. Pledge up your fluid levels by drinking four extra glasses of water a day. Drinking water is cheaper than drinking fizzy drinks and so much better for the body. Remember if temperatures are sending the mercury soaring then you will need even more fluids to keep yourself well hydrated.
Eat Well
Summer is a great time to get your healthy eating plan started. A salad is great on a hot day as it requires very little preparation! However, take care if you are at a BBQ or travelling as these are the most common sources of food poisoning. Undercooked meat can be a real issue at BBQ’s especially when people are more focused on having fun that cooking properly. Take care with food that has been left out on a table in the sun as bacteria thrives on heat.
Get Some Vitamin D
The sun is the best and most natural source of vitamin D so be sure to get yourself some of this vital vitamin. Sadly in the UK, it is estimated that 50% of people are low in vitamin D because frankly the climate is so variable – and tends to favour dull and rainy. So, when the sun shines do get yourself some natural vitamin D. Let your skin get to the rays of the sun but take care not to burn. Ten minutes is plenty of time to get what you need – after than slap on the sunscreen or cover up
Get Enough Sleep
Lots of people take time off work in the summer, and of course, students are all off on vacation, however, try not to disrupt your sleep patterns too badly. It can be tempting to stay up late or sleep in all morning when you are on holiday, but it can take the body months to recover from this disruption, making it much hard when you go back to work. Aim to keep your sleep as normal as possible.