Summer is undoubtedly a time for enjoying yourself, but it’s easy to get carried away among all the fun and games. It’s important to retain as healthy a lifestyle as possible, with the sunnier months presenting their own set of unique challenges and opportunities to live well day to day.
Here, we discuss four key steps to enjoying a healthy summer.
Stay safe in the sun
Sometimes, all we need to see is a slight glimmer of sunlight through the clouds to don our shorts, rev up the barbeque and prepare to make the most of the warmer weather. On a hot summer day, it’s all about bathing in as much sun as possible, but plenty of us forget to prepare for weather properly in among all the excitement.
Regardless of whether you’re in your back garden or on the beach, it’s essential you remember to respect the sun. Plenty of sun cream (no chancing it without for a few hours) and a sensible approach to your exposure time is essential. Also, remember to have a glass of water every so often to avoid dehydration and heat stroke.
It’s common sense stuff, but often easily forgotten.
Make the most of the weather with exercise
Many of us will have had that fitness plan on hold during the winter months. The cold, wet and windy weather is decidedly off-putting when it comes to going for a run, likewise it offers a decent enough excuse to duck the gym as well.
Especially in the modern world of office jobs and 9-5s spent sat down in front of a screen, regular exercise is hugely important. If there’s a time to get yourself started on a new fitness regime, surely it’s when the sun is shining brightest.
Use the warm weather and nice days to encourage your first steps into a new plan, or to expand on your current routine. It’ll make the hard work a bit more enjoyable, and hopefully start you on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Pay close attention to you spending
There’s always plenty going on during summer months. Holidays, weddings, family activities and plenty of great nights out are there to be enjoyed, and rightfully so. However, with so much going on, you’re bound to be under increased financial pressure, and unfortunately your pay packet doesn’t get any bigger for the summer season.
It’s important to keep track of your finances and budget carefully during this period. Remember to stay true to the simple concept of not allowing your outgoings to surpass your income and you should be OK. Whether that means saving ahead of the summer to fund the fun or being particular about what you choose to do, it’s essential you don’t head into the autumn with extra debts hanging over you.
Take a holiday
Speaking of holidays; they might cost a pretty penny, but they sure are worth it for the sake of giving you a break from your usual daily life. With most of us spending 11 months a year working the daily grind, it’s important you find time to get away from the traditional stresses and responsibilities of daily life, and the summer holiday is the perfect time.
It doesn’t matter if it’s two weeks in Barbados or a weekend break, find the time this summer to give yourself a reprise from life’s everyday pressures, so you can return to work refreshed and ready to go again.
So, while we all might be carrying both an umbrella and sun cream with us at the moment, it’s still important to remember to look after yourself this summer. A little attention paid to your money and physical and mental health over this period will see you head into the colder months in great shape.
