Staying Healthy in the Summer

Summer is a great time to get active and enjoy the outdoors, but the heat brings its own challenges. Here are some simple ways to stay healthy through the warmer months.

Exercise Smart

To ensure your safety and effectiveness, you must make some changes to the way you exercise in hot weather. Consider these strategies:

Timing: avoid exercising in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak.
Clothing: choose clothing that is lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool.
Pace yourself: pay attention to your body and take breaks when necessary. Do not push yourself, particularly if you aren’t used to working out in the heat.
Chiropractic care: regular chiropractic adjustments will help you maintain spinal health and improve your mobility. They can also relieve any pain from physical activity. For a Cheltenham Chiropractor, visit https://purelandschiro.co.uk

Protect your skin

Skin cancer can be caused by sun exposure. Follow these tips to protect your skin:

Use a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
When possible, seek shade. This is especially important during the peak hours of sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also effective in providing additional protection.
Protect your skin by wearing lightweight clothing with long sleeves.

Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet will help you maintain your health and energy, particularly in summer. Concentrate on:

Seasonal fruits and vegetables. These are not only nourishing, but they also help keep you hydrated.
Smaller, lighter meals. They are more easily digestible, and heavy meals can leave you feeling tired, particularly in hot weather.
Healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds and yoghurt to keep your body fuelled throughout the day.

Rest and recovery should be a priority

In the summer, when the heat may put your body under extra stress, it is important to rest and recover. You should:

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to allow the body to rejuvenate and recover.
Stretch and cool down after your workout to promote flexibility and prevent injury.