Everyone talks about winter illnesses, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get sick in the summer. With the sun shining and outdoor life beckoning, it’s a time we want to get sick the least. Let’s look at five ways to stay healthy this summer so that you can enjoy this time of the year the way you want to.
Use sun protection
If you’ve been looking forward to spending more time outdoors after a long winter inside, it’s important to remember your sun protection. Australian summers can be relentless, and it’s not uncommon to find people struggling with heat stroke, not to mention any future issues this might cause for the body. Stay out of the sun when it’s at its hottest in the middle of the day, and when you’re out always wear sunscreen, keep your skin moisturised, and wear protective clothes such as hats and sunglasses. Also, keep yourself hydrated as often as possible and get into the habit of carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go.
Get some rest
We often get sicker in winter because there’s more of a chance that we’re in confined spaces with other people. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t get sick in summer, especially as it might mean more socialising is happening. Getting enough rest is one of the best ways to keep healthy all year round, because a tired body finds it a lot harder to fight off illness than one that is well-rested. Make getting a good night’s sleep one of your top priorities this summer.
Eat well
A healthy body fights disease and illness far more than one that is sluggish from too much food and not enough exercise. Life is busy and sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing, but trust me, your body will thank you for this. Take a little bit of time out each week to plan out your meals, including your snacks, so that everything you eat each day involves as little thinking as possible. It’s summer, make it fun, buy all your favourite fruit and create snack bowls to reach for on a hot day when you’re too busy to make anything.
Get moving
Make exercise a part of your daily routine and get moving! Unfortunately, many people are now sitting at their desks all day for work, so it’s become even more important to get up and move around. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, or difficult (unless that’s what you enjoy, of course). It can mean going for daily walks or doing a bit of stretching throughout the day. Just be mindful of the hot sun in summer and keep any outdoor activities to early morning or late afternoon.
Make mental health a priority
Take time out to focus on your mental health, whatever that might mean for you. Stress can impact your body in ways that are often worse than anything else, causing your body to shut down when you need it the most. Mental health checks differ for everyone, so be sure to find something that you can turn to daily or weekly that will bring you to a better place of calm and joy. For some, this might mean meditation, for others it might mean a gentle walk, or maybe it’s just a chance to sit in silence or do something you love like watching your favourite show or taking time to read. Mental health is just as important as your physical health so it’s important not to neglect it.
Enjoy your summer and don’t let illness get you down. Be mindful of the sun, stay healthy, and take some time out for yourself. Cut yourself a slice of the biggest and juiciest watermelon and make this your best summer yet.
13 DOCTOR has the best phone doctors on hand
Online telehealth services like 13 Doctor can assist in navigating symptoms and provide access to a medical professional from the comfort of your own home. With appointments available seven days a week, making a conscious effort to stay on top of your health has never been easier. Contact us today.