Stay Healthy this Summer – 8 Tips to be Your Best
Stay healthy this summer so you can enjoy more sunny days. The warm weather is finally here so why would you want to waste it with being sick? Being sick is rotten in any season, so anything we can do to keep illness at bay is always welcome. Staying healthy is the name of the game every month. It just means making a few different choices in the summer months.
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Stay Healthy with These 8 Tips
It’s important that we remember to take care of ourselves even when the weather is warm. We often think of sickness in conjunction with the cold months, but you can still get sick when the weather is warm. And it’s not just viruses and colds that we have to look out for, it’s also allergies. In fact some of the worst illnesses I have ever had have been during August (which stinks). In fact pneumonia struck me twice in August and shingles did too one year. With everything around us that can make us sick, it’s important to fight back and fight back hard.
Vitamin C
No matter the season, I always supplement with vitamin C. This vitamin offers a huge boost to the immune system, allowing the body to fight off colds and other gross stuff. It’s the first line of defense against pretty much everything that will try to make you sick.
Water, Water, Water
Whether you read a post on how to have more energy or how to lose weight or, like this one, how to stay healthy, water should always be in the list. Water is key to each and every bodily function, including our immune system. Our bodies are made of over 75% water. When we aren’t properly hydrated, nothing works as well as it should. That includes our immune system in addition to metabolism and a host of other bodily functions.
Exercise
Exercise is so important to helping you stay healthy. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly or more healthy all the way around, including in their immune systems. It doesn’t have to be a Crossfit, work out so hard you can’t walk session. Just a stroll down the street counts and helps!
Sleep
The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep plays a huge role in staying healthy. Sleep not only recharges the body, it also repairs it. While most of us only get around 6 hours of sleep a night, studies show that we should be getting that magic 8 hour number. If you aren’t getting enough sleep you’re opening yourself up to sickness. This is one area I need to get better at right away.
Limit Stress
This tip has made its way into several different posts on ways to stay healthy. That’s because stress is a killer. Studies have shown that stress actually shortens our life spans. It also makes us more prone to sickness. So, what can you do about that? Remember to take time to exercise and do all the above then find something relaxing like Yoga, or swimming, or even walks or take a break to read a book. In fact limiting stress is hard and stressful in itself, but taking care of yourself and giving yourself breaks can help you lead a less stressful summer.
Watch Pollen Counts
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you can stay healthy by watching the pollen count reports. Limit your out time outdoors when your allergen triggers are high and see your doctor about a good allergy medication.
Wear Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen regularly and as directed. Sunburn is not only uncomfortable, it’s also dangerous. Just one sunburn can double your chances of developing skin cancer.
Watch the Heat
After a season of gray and blah, we all want to get outside and stay outside. But remember to be careful! Even when we stay properly hydrated, excessive heat can be harmful. When the sun is beating down and the mercury rises into the really hot weather, look for shade and other ways to stay cool. And remember, sometimes it’s better to just stay inside.
Stay Healthy to Enjoy Summer
Summer is here, so stay healthy and enjoy it! Getting sick when the weather is wonderful stinks. These tips can help you stay healthy and keep you outside and doing what you love while the warm weather is here.
