Summer is a great time to focus or refocus on improving your health and well-being, and it may be when you have more time to give self-care.
When the sun shines, and spirits are lifted.
It is when you feel the sun’s warmth on your face and the sea is slightly warmer, meaning you are more likely to dip your toes. It’s the time of year when you might dust off your tennis racquet and want to spend time outdoors with the family.
Life feels lighter and a little less stressful.
Although having said all this, I am writing this with an impending storm across the South of England. It is dark and dreary, and I’m in a winter jumper! But let’s put that to one side for a minute. The sun will return, and one of the things I love about the UK is the Indian Summer.
Summer is good for your health.
Regardless of the weather and if you have grown up and live in the UK, getting out no matter the weather, dancing in the rain and jumping in puddles is what we are used to. But for a moment, let’s imagine we are experiencing balmy temperatures.
Here are five ways to make health and well-being a priority this summer.
- Get outside: The warm weather and longer days are perfect for enjoying nature. Whether you go for a hike, a bike ride, or a swim, being outdoors is a great way to improve your physical and mental health.
- Stay hydrated: With the hot temperatures, drinking plenty of water and other fluids is important. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate you and cause other health problems.
- Eat healthy: Summer is a great time to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Incorporate plenty of colourful fruits and veggies into your diet and avoid processed and fast foods.
- Take a break: Summer is also a great time to take a break from the stress and demands of everyday life. To spend quality time with family and friends, relax, and enjoy some downtime.
- Be mindful: Being mindful is simply being in the moment, smelling the salt in the air at the beach, and feeling the sand between your toes. It is being present and not distracted, so switch off that mobile!
Following these tips, you can use your summer to improve your health and well-being and set yourself up for a happy and healthy Autumn.
And if you are hopping on a plane, don’t ignore your good health commitments.
Taking a vacation is a great way to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. However, it is important to remember that your health should not be ignored while on holiday. Here are some reasons why:
Firstly, travel can be stressful and negatively affect your health. You want to arrive able to slip into a relaxation mode quickly, and being organised and prepared can help to address the pre-holiday stresses.
Secondly, travel can disrupt your usual routine, leading to unhealthy habits. For example, you may eat out more often and consume more alcohol than usual. So, be mindful of your diet and exercise routine while on holiday. While you might want to avoid running in forty-degree heat, replacing this with an evening stroll will help.
Thirdly, be kind to yourself while away, don’t rush to do everything and cram your days with activity. Instead, allow time to sit, read and mindfully soak in the atmosphere. Set realistic expectations, so you don’t overwhelm yourself in the lead-up to your holiday or ram your diary with appointments and events upon your return.
Finally, being away from home can make it difficult to access medical care if you need it. So, remember to pack your necessary medications and research medical facilities in the area if that helps you feel more at ease.
Overall, taking care of your health while on vacation will allow you to fully enjoy your time away and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
