The summer season might be going quickly, but there are still several weeks of hot weather and sunny skies ahead of us, and you should take advantage of those opportunities while you can.
Not only are the outdoors a great place to discover new activities and to begin new adventures, but being outside is in itself a Habit of Health. Sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, and a range of studies that simply being present in green spaces is associated with a number of health benefits, from improved mental cognition to reductions in stress. As an added bonus, if you are outside to kayak or to walk to do a yoga class in the park, you are probably getting away your phone and your television, which is itself a win for your health.
Despite all of the benefits of being outside, we still need to be wary of certain risks when we are outside. Here are some tips to keep your outdoor time completely positive:
- Use sunscreen. Most people know this, but they often forget to reapply it every two hours.
- Stay hydrated. Heat and humidity can dehydrate you more quickly than you might realize, so keep a bottle of water nearby and go back to it often.
- Look out for heat exhaustion. Extreme heat can be dangerous. If you feel short of breath, dizzy, or nauseous, seek cooler shelter.
- Dress appropriately. For example, if you are hiking, make sure you are using the right footwear or if you are biking get a helmet that fits properly.
- Plan ahead. If your outdoor activities take you away from civilization, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Bring a first aid kit as well.
These are simple steps, but many people still overlook them. So grab your sunscreen, grab your water, and invite a friend. Some beautiful weather is waiting for you to get outside and enjoy it.