Summer 2021 has just begun, and with it comes a host of summer-only activities. While we can’t summer the way we did pre-COVID, this summer is certainly gearing up to be more promising than the last.
Whether you have a big trip planned (following safety precautions, of course) or just relaxing at home for the coming months, it’s time once again for your yearly summer health check: the things that you need to remember to keep, to bring out, or reinstall for the hot summer nights to come.
Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
This rule will always be in place, whatever the season, but it’s never more important in the warmer months when you’re more likely to sweat. If you’re looking to increase your water intake, now is the time to take that more seriously.
Smartphones, smartwatches, and fitness band apps can help you monitor your water intake. Some are even gamified to make them easier to commit to. You can also just set reminders throughout the day to drink water.
Another thing you can do is to keep a water bottle with you at all times. Whether it be a Klean Kanteen or just a regular old sports bottle, taking one with you wherever you may be can serve as a constant reminder to hydrate. And a big plus is that you’ll never have to buy a plastic water bottle again, effectively reducing your plastic waste.
Be cool for the summer. We mean temperature-wise.
Depending on where you live, the summer months can be particularly excruciating. Just ask the folks in the Southwest who are right now experiencing oppressively hot weather.
This is no laughing matter. Apart from the obvious discomfort, overheating can cause dehydration, cramps, or even heat stroke. That’s why it’s important to be cool for the summer. We’re not just talking about your outfit or wearing those cool sunglasses.
Avoid exposure to extreme heat and check in on loved ones, especially the elderly and those living alone. Stay in the shade when possible. Don’t go out during the hottest hours of the day, and if you don’t have any air-conditioning, consider calling an AC company to have that installed in your home or workplace.
Don’t forget sunscreen!
Of course, summer means sunbathing. Especially if you’re by the beach or poolside, it’s one of the most relaxing activities under the sun. Nothing says summer like a nice tan, right?
As mentioned earlier, this is an activity you’ll need to proceed with cautiously. Make sure that you’re wearing sunglasses, that it’s not too hot, and of course, put on some sunscreen.
Sunscreen should already be part of your daily skincare regimen anyway, but it’s important to wear sunscreen when stepping out, especially during the sunny summer days.
Finding the right sunscreen is a matter of preference. Some sunscreens leave a white film on your skin, which can look unpleasant. Gel sunscreens leave a dryer, less oily finish. If you’re going to swim in natural waters, please consider using a reef-safe sunscreen that’s free of the substances that are harmful to corals and marine life.
It’s that time of the year again.
As with the changing of any season, the onset of summer can mean the arrival of certain ailments. Apart from the aforementioned heatstroke, the arrival of summer can mean bugs, allergies, and even mood changes.
It’s for these reasons that you have to have your medications and remedies in stock. Make sure your first aid kit and medicine cabinet has a cold compress, antihistamines, pain medication, and other pills that you may need to have ready. Now would also be a good time to make sure you have your local emergency numbers stored and up to date.
It’s summer. Have some fun.
Last but definitely not least is to decompress. Unless you’re in school, summer may not mean much in terms of a change in workload, but it’s still important to take a break.
Whether you have a big trip planned or not, try using up some of your vacation leaves to take a breather from your regular schedule. You might think that it won’t mean much if you’re going to spend it at home anyway, but once in a while, it’s nice to wake up without anything planned for the day.
Like a solar panel, use these sunny days to recharge and refresh. Take time to reflect, slow down, and express gratitude. After all, despite everything, this can still be a beautiful summer to remember.
