Summer is synonymous with fun, outdoor activities and long, sunny days. While many people dive into summer with little to no preparation, it’s important to physically prep your body after the winter months. From improving your endurance to avoiding sunburns, here are five things you should do to prepare your body for the most enjoyable summer of your life:
Schedule Your Physical
If you’re feeling unusually sluggish, depressed or out-of-sorts, it’s wise to schedule a physical now, before summer hits in full force. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may test you for physical or mental illnesses. He or she may also check your hormone levels to make sure they’re balanced properly. Once the underlying cause of your problem is discovered, you can receive the treatment and/or medication you need to feel healthy, strong and happy during your upcoming summer activities.
Prepare Your Skin
The intensity of the summer sun can be very hard on your skin if you don’t take steps to prepare it. To avoid sunburn and skin damage, do the following:
- Hydrate (both internally with water and externally with moisturizing cream)
- Expose your skin to the sun progressively, in frequent, short bursts
- Wear sunscreen if you plan to spend more than 15 minutes in the sun at a time
- Wait a couple of days between exfoliating your skin and exposing it the sun for longer periods of time
You can also improve your skin’s aesthetics in time for summer by receiving Botox or dermal fillers. Newport Medical and Wellness Center offers these services as well as many other health and wellness services that can help you look and feel better.
Hydrate
You tend to lose a lot of moisture through your skin when you’re exposed to heat, so it’s important to stay hydrated all summer long. If you struggle to enjoy plain water, spruce it up with a few slices of lemon or a handful of crushed blueberries. It’s also wise to bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
Get at Least Six Hours of Sleep at Night
It’s easy to skip out on sleep when you’re enjoying a fun-filled summer, but your body can only go so long without sufficient time to rest and restore itself. To enjoy maximum energy, make sure you get at least six hours of sleep each night, starting now.
Eat Mindfully
There’s nothing wrong with indulging in the occasional ice cream cone or hot dog during summer, but try to eat mindfully the majority of the time. Choosing healthy foods and snacks can nourish your body and give it the energy it needs to keep going strong all summer long.
