4 Ways To Stay Happy And Healthy This Summer

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Summertime is just around the corner, meaning longer days, warm nights, time in the sun, and a break from school. If you’re looking forward to the changing season but are worried the relaxed summer atmosphere will wreak havoc on your healthy lifestyle, fret not. There are several ways to enjoy the warmer months without destroying your normally active routine. Read on to learn some helpful tips on how to remain happy and healthy this summer.

1. Stay Active

Exercise and physical activity are essential in any season, but it is easy to let your workouts go by the wayside in favor of more leisurely summer activities. However, warmer weather permits a plethora of physical activities that are less enjoyable in the winter months, such as hiking, swimming, and biking. That said, grab your family and take advantage of the summertime exercises that are both fun and healthy for all. Take care that you don’t overheat in the balmy temperatures. On scorchingly hot days, complete your high-intensity activities early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid heatstroke. Further, if you go hard on a workout, replenish lost fluids with plenty of water to fend off dehydration.

2. Eat Healthily

Summer is the ideal time to load up on healthy, seasonal fruits and vegetables. When planning backyard barbeques and family cookouts, focus on serving a wholesome menu full of farm-fresh produce and lean grilled meats to keep your diet on track. A trip to the farmer’s market is an excellent way to combine nutritious eating and family bonding time. Choose a recipe before shopping, and spend some time in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal with your newly bought, fresh ingredients. Kids and adults will enjoy this healthy and amusing summer activity. When the weather is warm, take the proper precautions related to food preparation techniques. As a rule of thumb, cold foods should always remain cold, and hot foods must stay hot. Keep ice and coolers on hand to chill your fruits, meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and be sure to consume hot or grilled items immediately to avoid any potential bacterial growth.

3. Protect Yourself From the Sun

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Excessive sun exposure causes numerous problems including, sun spots, wrinkles, sunburns, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, proper sun protection is essential throughout the summer months. Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the sun, so be sure not to miss your daily SPF application. Do you plan on spending a substantial amount of time in the sun? If so, regularly don a sun shirt and wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. Finally, avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunlamps, and remain in the shade as much as possible.

4. Take a Vacation

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Activity options abound where summer vacations are concerned, so be sure to add some weekends away to your summer to-do list. Does your family like to camp? Find a site situated by a lake and give paddleboarding or canoeing a try. Do you live by the beach or near an ocean? Perhaps scuba diving or snorkeling sounds like a pleasant way to spend an active day in nature with your family. Are you more of a city crew? Pick a new spot you’ve all dreamed of visiting, and take a bike tour of the metropolitan area. Fresh air and active ventures are equally exciting whether you are in the mountains or touring a downtown metropolis! By combining a much-needed vacation with outdoorsy and energetic endeavors, you can experience the relaxation summer has to offer without falling into unhealthy or sedentary habits.

Make the most of your summer by staying active and healthy. From trips to the farmers market to lakeside camping vacations, take advantage of the warm weather and the plethora of outdoor options available to you and your family during the dog days of summer.