Healthy Tips for This Summer

The season of sun and being outside is finally here again! Summer is great. Beach days, picnics, family meals… everything is bright and colourful and we come out of our shells to enjoy all. But the heat and excitement cannot make you forget to take care of yourself. Here are some tips for you to stay healthy this summer and make sure you and your body enjoy the season with no regrets.

• Stay hydrated. Summer sun can be merciless some days. Dehydration is a real thing but it’s also easily preventable. Just remember to drink plenty of fluids, carry a water bottle with you when you go out. Some interesting alternatives to cold water include green tea and fruit juice. Orange juice is a good option since it also contains potassium, a necessary nutrient that we lose rapidly through sweat. If you’re not much of a drinker, or if you feel you’ve already had enough fluids that day, try eating the fruit instead. Just make sure it contains a lot of water. Aside from oranges, other excellent choices are cantaloupe, watermelon, and pear. Fresh and sweet, they’re just right for the summer.

• Find shade. Of course you’re not going to hide under an umbrella for the entire summer (what would be the fun in that?), but you do have to sneak some moments in the shade there in between your hours in the sun. It’s important to remember that during the summer your exposure to the sun is not limited to sun tanning. Even when you’re out running errands, those rays are shinning bright on you. A good idea is to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So this summer instead of throwing shade, try finding it.

• Wear sunscreen. When you do go out, always wear sunscreen, especially in over exposed areas like your face and shoulders. Wanting to avoid chemicals on your skin is no excuse not to wear sunscreen since there are many healthy alternatives you can use that have the same effect without any of the harmful chemicals. In case you get sunburnt (because you forgot to put on your sunscreen), don’t fret. Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help with that. Just make sure it’s very cool and apply it with a sponge. Aloe Vera gel is also very soothing and has millenary anti-inflammatory properties.

• Protect your lips. This is a very sensitive area of your body and it does not respond well to the summer heat. To prevent chapped lips from clashing with your summer look, try applying a gentle balm to them regularly. Again, there are many recipes out there for natural, organic lip balms that you can carry around in your purse and apply when needed. Not only will it make your lips smooth and kissable, it will them that nice shine and beach smell that says summer is here to stay.

• Summerize your diet. A lot of summer fruits and vegetables can be very expensive off-season so now is the time to incorporate them into your diet. Sweet corn is one of those summer foods you should consider. Not only is it delicious, but it also has antioxidants that will help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. That’s right, natural sunglasses. Strawberries, blueberries and tart cherries are also great to eat during the summer. The first two are high in flavonoids that will increase your blood flow and give your skin a healthy glow. Tart cherries, aside from being incredibly addictive, are actually a good idea if you’re looking to slim down. Everything in moderation, of course, but try incorporating more of these summer fruits and vegetables as healthy snacks during the day. Other summer foods you should consider? Tomatoes, blueberries and the yummy avocados.

There’s no reason why this summer shouldn’t be a season of cleansing and overall wellness for your body and spirit. Take these tips into consideration and always choose consciously before putting something on your skin or in your body. Remember, your body is your temple, and a healthy body will certainly make the most of these shiny summer days.