Staying Happy and Healthy During the Summer

With summer starting to enter full swing, it is easier than ever get side tracked by those weekly Sunday barbecues, endless hours under the sun, and constant trips to the local ice cream shop. Of course, while many of us (if not all) see these as summer’s perks, it’s important to keep our health in check when enjoying the seasonal activities. With that being said, here are 5 tips on how to stay healthy and happy during the upcoming summer months:

Wear sunscreen.

Let’s face it: nobody enjoys being smothered in sunscreen before laying out. Unfortunately, the sun is stronger than ever during the summer months, making
 it vital that we prevent our skin from getting damaged. Freckles, wrinkles, sun spots, you name it – by re-applying that layer of sunscreen, you’ll avoid all of the sun’s unpleasant gifts and keep your skin spotless.

Drink water.

When your body is lacking water while exposed to excessive sunlight, the outcome is not pretty: dehydration and exhaustion. To stay upbeat, energized, and hydrated, make sure you’re drinking the recommended amount of H20: that’s 13 cups for males and 9 cups for females per day! Carrying a water bottle around with you wherever you go will help you get the job done.

Exercise.

The summer months make it easier than ever to stay fit with all of the available outdoor activities; at the same time, it’s also easier than ever to fall asleep by the pool and skip that workout you were saving for later. If you’re not a fan of the gym, get in the day’s calorie-burn by running along the beach, swimming laps in a pool, going for a bike ride, or even attempting a watersport.

Keep your diet in balance.

While some say a balanced diet is a cookie in each hand, many have to disagree. We tend to gravitate towards desserts and junk food during the summer time, which has no shame in it – but, at the same time, it is important to not lose track of just how many ice cream cones you’ve consumed in the past 24 hours. Look for healthy, refreshing alternatives such as fruit, summer salads, and smoothies – they can taste just as good as that frozen yogurt you were craving!

Step outside of your comfort zone.

There’s never a wrong time to try something new. Do something that excites you this summer, whether it be traveling to a new country, trying a new sport, or taking up a new hobby. Change is good for the soul – and what a better time to embrace it than the summertime?