Summer is here, and many of us look forward to longer days, special occasions, vacations, and spending quality time with friends and family. In this guide, I’ll share some tips for a great healthy summer.

Spending time outdoors

Summer is a season most of us associate with being outdoors, enjoying warm weather and light evenings. Being outside positively impacts mental health and can open new doors, especially if you enjoy active pursuits or are looking to explore new interests. Spending time with nature is proven to reduce stress and make you feel more alert and energized. Go swimming in the sea, plan a bike ride in the forest with friends or your partner, learn to climb, or go kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, mountain biking, or hiking. The outdoor opportunities are limitless for you to have a healthy summer.

Seeking advice for seasonal illnesses

We think of the winter as the peak period for feeling under the weather. Still, many people experience seasonal illnesses during the summer, particularly when it comes to allergies. If you have itchy, irritated eyes or you’ve not stopped sneezing since warmer temperatures arrived, you can find more information here about allergies, such as hay fever. If you have a severe allergy or underlying health issues, such as asthma, it’s crucial to seek expert advice to help you prevent or manage symptoms. Many treatments and therapies are available for people suffering from minor, moderate, and severe symptoms. 

Exercising

Exercising is good for your health all year round, but many people are more inclined to embrace an active lifestyle when it’s warm and sunny outside. This summer, try to increase your activity levels to hit targets. Health experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Great activities to try during the summer include playing tennis and golf, going hiking, jogging at the park or running on the beach, and going for long walks in natural beauty spots. You can also include active hobbies, such as gardening, swimming, and cycling. Exercise reduces the risk of health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. It also helps to lower the risk of stress, anxiety, depression and boosts mental well-being. 

Eating healthily

Nutrition is vital for optimum health. When discussing diets, we often focus on losing weight, but ensuring you get the nutrients you need should be your top priority. Analyze your diet and look for areas where you can improve. Using an app to access nutritional information based on your diet is an excellent idea. Enter the foods you eat daily and the serving sizes, and evaluate the data. You may be surprised at the calorie count and discover that you’re eating too much sugar, or your diet may lack sufficient iron, fiber, or protein, for example. Once you know what you need to do to improve nutrition, you can make changes to boost your health. Following simple rules, such as eating a rainbow of fruit and vegetables, opting for whole-grain foods, limiting your intake of processed food, and keeping an eye on your salt and sugar intake, can make a big difference. Menopausal women should also be mindful of the hormonal impact on their bodies and make food choices accordingly. Staying hydrated is also critical as you strive to have a healthy summer. 

Taking time out to recharge your batteries

Many of us look forward to the summer because it’s traditionally a season for getting together, attending parties, weddings, and festivals, and making the most of the sunshine. It’s great to be excited about a busy schedule, but taking time out to rest and recover is essential. If you burn the candle at both ends, you’ll begin to feel fatigued; you may also notice that your moods change, and you may be more prone to illnesses and infections. Try to strike a healthy balance. Take time to recharge your batteries. Schedule rest periods during evenings and weekends when you don’t have plans, and try to ensure you get sufficient sleep. Most adults need around 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Adopt a routine that allows you to wind down before bed and ensures you hit sleep targets. 

Summer is upon us. If you’re looking forward to a hot girl summer, minus the hot flashes for my menopausal friends, it’s essential that you’re in top form. Taking good care of your body and mind will help to boost happiness, health, and overall well-being. Spend as much time as possible outside, exercise regularly, and seek advice to deal with seasonal illnesses. Take time to rest and recover, stay hydrated, and prioritize eating well. Cheers to the best, healthy summer yet!