June 18, 2024 / Mindfulness

How to Practice Self-Care in the Summer

As the summer heat rises, caring for yourself becomes crucial to feeling your best and refreshed. With the higher temperatures and longer days, it's just as important to prioritize self-care during the summer months, plus July 24 is International Self-Care Day reminding us all of the importance. From staying hydrated to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays to choosing the right activities to beat the heat, implementing simple changes can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Check out some essential tips for the summer to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing season. Staying Hydrated During Summer: Hydrating is one of the most important things you can do for yourself in the summer. Not only does dehydration affect your physical health leading to headaches, fatigue and dizziness, but it can also impact your mental health as well, like cognitive performance, mood and anxiety levels. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration or over-exhaustion. Some tips include drinking a big glass first thing in the morning to help you start your day before you get distracted. Additionally, you can try eating water-rich fruits and vegetables throughout the day like strawberries, watermelon, cucumber and zucchini to help you stay hydrated. The goal is to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day or more, especially when spending extended periods in the sun.

How to hydrate fast?
- The fastest way to hydrate is to create a simple electrolyte drink made with a mixture of water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and two tablespoons of sugar. This mixture is great for restoring fluid balance in the body when fast rehydration is necessary.

Protecting Skin From the Sun: Protecting your skin from the sun is important because it helps reduce the harmful effects of UV rays, such as the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, sun safety measures can help prevent painful sunburns, protect your eyes and support a healthy immune system weakened by UV radiation. To protect against the harmful effects of the sun, it is essential to take safety measures such as seeking shade or staying indoors during the peak sun hours. If you do want to be outside, try wearing protective clothing like long sleeves, light colors, hats and sunglasses. Applying sunscreen can also minimize the risk of skin damage from the sun.

How often should you reapply sunscreen?
- It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating heavily or swimming. Applying sunscreen throughout the day is essential in maintaining its effectiveness and protecting your skin.

Staying Cool in the Heat: If you are looking for things to do during summer it is crucial to keep the weather in mind. Engaging in excessive physical activity in hot weather can have negative effects on the body, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If it is a hot day, it is recommended to limit physical activity during the hottest part and plan outdoor activities during the early morning or late afternoon, when it's cooler. Additionally, choosing the right activities can greatly reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses. For example, opt for a beach or pool day where you can cool off in the water.

How to stay cool in summer?
- Water is a great source of relief. Practice water cooling techniques such as taking cool showers or baths or relaxing in a pool to reduce body temperature. You can also place a damp towel over your neck or wrist or keep a spray bottle nearby to mist as needed.

Remember to stay hydrated, protect your skin from the sun and take necessary precautions to stay cool this summer. By practicing these self-care and safety tips, you'll be able to enjoy the summer season to the fullest.

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