Staying Healthy & Cool Throughout the Summer Season

By Guest Author, Paisley Hansen 

With increasing temperatures, we look forward to longer days and the warmth of summer. While summer may provide much needed relaxation from those cold and windy days of winter, it also comes with potential health issues such as dehydration and heat exhaustion.

We all know that stress and mental health are linked with physical health, so when you are taking care of your body, you are also taking care of your mind and state of well-being.

To assist you in taking care of your body and mind, here are a few common sense tips to keep in mind this summer. 

Food & Drink

Most fruits and vegetables are accessible all year round, however, there is something special about eating them fresh! The wide variety also helps you to eat more delicious plant-based food which offers many health advantages.

Make an effort to grab foods that are newly harvested to get the greatest advantages and not to mention amazing flavor. Take the plunge away from those fried meals you may have indulged in during the winter and load up on healthier snack choices such as seeds, trail mixes, fruits, berries and also make way for produce such as pineapples, grapes, tomatoes, berries, melons, oranges, and celery. YUM!

Water is extremely essential in the summer because there is a higher risk of heat stroke. Don’t forget to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Try to drink 7-10 glasses of filtered water to ensure you are sufficiently hydrated.

Because you sweat more in hotter temperatures means you are also losing electrolytes which can result in health issues. To prevent this, simply add some lemon or lime to your water or couple drops of trace minerals. This helps you to avoid avoids dehydration, replenish lost electrolytes, and recharges levels of energy.

Kept It Cool When Sleeping 

With all the summer activities and extra long days, it’s important to remember that a good nights sleep is the best ticket to recharge your body and mind. But we all know how tough it is to sleep if you are too hot and uncomfortable. 

In order to make your sleep more enjoyable,

• Keep your space cool and drawn shades
• Take a cool shower or bath before bedtime 
• Drink a cooling tea such as Black Cohosh (especially if you experience hot flashes) 

For more amazing tips on sleeping cool during the summer, check out 40 Tips for Better Sleep on Summer Nights

Reduce Stress & Exercise

Heat alone can easily aggravate many people, and if you are already experiencing stress from other areas of your life will certainly ensure increase levels of cortisol (stress hormone).  Once cortisol has been triggered, sends a sign to your body to also release the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates the water equilibrium in the body. If this cycle continues long-term can result in water retention. And no one wants that!

Luckily, exercise is one of the greatest ways to reduce stress thus reducing water weight. The average loss of liquid during one hour of exercise is anywhere from 14–64 ounces, of course depending on variables such as temperature, intensity, and clothing worn. 

And don’t forget that you have to also consider that good ‘ol summer heat.

Did you know that ensuring sufficient hydration can reduce the risk of water retention? It’s true!

Moving your body in additional heat during the summer months can make exercise feel uncomfortable. To help keep your hormone levels in check consider exercising earlier or later in the day when the heat isn’t as intense.  Or perhaps split up your day by taking shorter walking breaks. Yoga is always a great choice for stress reduction and let’s not forget that it is the summer, or how about taking a wonderful and cooling swim!  

Utilizing these simple but vital tips will help you to stay healthy and cool throughout the summer season!