Summer is a time when most people think of being active and healthy, but when the heat gets dangerous, those healthy habits are harder to maintain.
That’s why it’s important to arm yourself with as many tips and tricks as possible to keep yourself on the right track. With a little help from these tips, you’ll find it much easier to keep up with those habits you worked so hard to start.
Keep reading to give yourself an advantage when summer hits.
Exercise in the Morning
If you’re one of the thousands of people without air conditioning, it’s difficult to find the energy to exercise when it gets really hot. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it’s dangerous as well.
To keep up with your exercise regimen, it’s best to tackle it in the morning when the temperatures are a lot cooler. It’s far more enjoyable, easier to breathe, and it sets you up for a successful day. It’s easier to keep up with other healthy habits when you start the day with a good workout.
After a few sessions, you might even find that you prefer the quieter hours of the morning.
Volunteer
Any millennial will tell you that keeping busy is the key to staying healthy. What’s even better is to find a way to stay active while putting some good into the world. Volunteer work is a rewarding way to stay active while still helping out others at the same time.
Summer months are an important time for volunteering so it’s always a good idea to keep up with opportunities near you. There are lots of different ways to volunteer that keep you both physically and mentally healthy all through the year.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s no secret that drinking lots of water is an important part of staying healthy. It’s even more vital during summer when those hot temperatures make it easy to dehydrate.
A good way to meet your daily water intake is to make lots of ice cubes so that the water is cool and refreshing. Few things are as delicious as a cold glass of water on a blazing hot day. Add in some citrus fruits to make the glass of water more exciting and colorful while aiding digestion and adding some nutrients.
Try to avoid drinking sugary drinks since they’ll only end up dehydrating you more, but don’t forget to treat yourself sometimes too!
Embrace the Color of Summer
Summer brings with it a variety of different fruits and vegetables that are delicious, colorful, and perfect for a healthy diet. It’s a good idea to eat up those colors while they are in season.
Some of those summer fruits taste as good as candy, which makes it far easier to resist sweet snacks. With so many delicious options, it’s easy to add simple recipes to your meal routine that are beautiful to look at on the plate.
The colorful foods of summer are more than just raw fruits and vegetables. Have some fun grilling up your favorite lean meats and give them a nice sear for even more color on the plate. Try grilling some fruits while you’re at it to give them a natural caramelization that is both tasty and good for you.
Get Proper Rest
A lot of people find it difficult to sleep during the summer. The uncomfortable temperature or humidity makes it hard to fall and stay asleep, but sleeping is vital to all healthy routines. Without it, your body doesn’t get as many benefits from all the hard work you’re putting in.
Going to sleep earlier means that you’ll sleep through the cooler hours of the night and you’ll be up before the sun intensifies the heat. It’s also good to allow yourself to take naps when necessary so that you get extra rest.
It’s okay to take a break sometimes, so don’t force yourself to stay awake if you’re feeling tired. The heat takes a toll on our bodies, so get some sleep whenever you need it.
Go on Outdoor Adventures
Depending on your location, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the great weather summer provides. Getting outside and exploring your local area are great ways to get some exercise and enjoyment at the same time.
Bring your friends and family along for the adventure so that it’s even more fun for everyone. Remember to always bring plenty of water and sunscreen so that everyone stays safe. Find some shade to help you cool off if things get too warm.
The adventure will still be there when you’re ready to continue!
Prepare Meals Beforehand
When the sun is at its hottest, no one has any interest in firing up the stove or oven. This makes it difficult to cook anything healthy when it’s so warm outside and ordering in is so tempting.
Instead of making dinners right when it’s time to eat, try taking one day in the week to do all of the prep work beforehand. Prepping meals is a huge benefit in a lot of ways. You no longer have to worry about what to make, half of the work is already done for you (or sometimes even more!) and it ensures that you have healthy meals ready and available for the entire week.
Even when summer is done, preparing your meals is a great help for any busy household committing to a healty lifestyle.
Healthy Habits Take a Little Work But They’re Worth the Effort
It’s not always easy to keep up with healthy habits. It takes perseverance that is often difficult to find when the temperature gets too hot. The extra effort you put in now is going to make a huge difference in the long run.
Don’t worry if you fall behind in some of these habits. It’s normal to stumble sometimes, but it’s the getting back up that matters most. Keep doing your best, and you’ll be fine!
If you’re looking for ways to spread healthy habits like these to different communities, then contact us to learn how you can get involved with Esperança!