Sprinkle a little positivity into your summer routine with some new habits this year.
It can be really easy to fall out of good habits over the winter period. Weather in the UK is generally cold, grey and miserable and that can be a real motivation killer. So, you really shouldn’t blame yourself if all you want to do is stay inside by the fire and eat your favourite comfort foods. We’re all guilty of that from time to time!
Instead, let summer fuel your optimism and reintroduce some healthy habits to help you look and feel your best.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Summer is a great time to enjoy plenty of fresh fruit and veg.
Fruit and veg are great sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre, so they can make you feel full while giving your body the nutrients it needs to function properly. They are also often naturally low in fat, sodium and sugar.
A balanced diet can do so much good for your body and mind and can help give you the energy you need to stay positive and motivated.
Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated is important for everyone — but especially during the hot summer months when we tend to sweat more than usual.
Knowing exactly how much water we need to drink each day is often up for debate, although clearly, there are health benefits. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps us feeling our best by ensuring our bodies stay properly hydrated, plus it keeps our skin looking good!
Stock up on Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that enables your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also helps promote bone health, which means it’s important for children and adults alike. A recent review by the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care reported that 1 in 6 adults and roughly 20% of children had depleted levels of the recommended dose of vitamin D. So if you’re worried that you’re not getting enough of this vital vitamin in your diet, here are two of our favourite ways to stock up.
- Get out in the sun. We know it’s summer and everyone wants to stay inside where it’s cool, but remember that the sun is actually one of the best sources of vitamin D!
- Take supplements. If you can’t get enough natural sunlight or food sources of vitamin D, then consider taking a supplement. Check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine though!
Get moving outside
It’s time to get outside and stay active, not just because it’s good for you and your mental health, but also because it’s just plain fun.
Here are some enjoyable ways to get moving outside this summer:
- Go hiking with your friends. Hiking is a great way to be active in nature while also getting some sun on your skin.
- Swim at the beach. Swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot day and get some exercise — without having to worry about setting up equipment or having a gym membership.
- Play sports like football, tennis, or basketball with your friends. Sports are an excellent way to get some exercise which can benefit both your physical and mental health.
Love your smile!
While all the extra sunshine and warmer weather will encourage you to be outside more, immersing yourself in nature can do wonders for your mood and naturally raises your endorphin or ‘happiness’ levels.
Add to that, having a bright, sparkly smile can also really lift your confidence — especially when you want to look your best this summer. Getting into the habit of whitening your teeth can be one of the easiest ways to feel better about yourself. If you have sensitive teeth, make sure to use products specifically designed for whitening them.
Stay safe in the sun
No matter how old you are or where you live, getting out in the sun is a great way to get some vitamin D and ensure your body stays healthy. But, there’s nothing worse than getting sunburnt. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe in the sun.
- Apply sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Protect yourself from UV rays when possible by staying indoors or in the shade.
Manage hay fever
When the seasons change, your allergies go into overdrive and make you feel like you never want to go outside again. But don’t worry — there are a few habits you can get into that will help you manage your hay fever and get through the season with a little less suffering.
- Keep yourself hydrated! You need to drink water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated, especially if you’re going outside in the heat or humidity. This will help reduce the inflammation that can cause your symptoms.
- Take care of yourself and make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation. Stress can exacerbate allergies, so take some time for yourself during this busy time of year.
- Try taking an antihistamine before going outside. Not only do they work to control symptoms like sneezing and itching, but they can also help prevent them from starting up in the first place by reducing histamine production in your body.
Getting into these habits can help you manage your hay fever, but if it’s extremely severe, speak to your doctor as they may be able to offer you the support you need.
Take some time out for yourself
Focusing on self-care and well-being by adopting healthy habits is always beneficial, regardless of when you start. Get in the habit of taking some time out of each day this summer to do something that makes you feel good. Whether it’s reading a book by the pool or swimming with a friend (or even just playing on your phone if that’s what floats your boat). Give yourself permission to do something nice for yourself every day.
