It’s summertime, and the living is easy. The warm weather and slowed-down pace have motivated many people to get outside more. From hiking and waterfalls to playing golf or lounging in the pool, summer is a great time for people to move their bodies and soak in some vitamin D. While we’re all about living it up during summer, we want to make you aware of a few ways you can avoid injury while still having fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ease into exercise and outdoor activities
Are you planning to add workouts to your schedule or go on an adventure with friends (hiking, kayaking, ziplining, etc.)? It’s great to be active, but you shouldn’t jump into any strenuous activities if you’ve been taking it easy for several months. Consider your current mobility and ease into exercising and participating in outdoor adventures. Some activities sound relaxing, such as kayaking, but even low-key activities can work your muscles in a way you’re not used to. Start slow, remember to stretch, and add a warm-up and cool down to whatever summer fun you choose to participate in.
- Check your posture
Raise your hand if you’ve been parked on the couch, hunched over your garden, or sitting in the car? Summer is a great time for road trips, gardening, and enjoying movie nights, but both of those activities are detrimental to your spine. You don’t have to cut out those fun activities — instead, avoid injury by doing frequent posture checks and taking breaks to stretch. The longer you stay seated or hunched over, the more your body gets used to remaining in that position. Stand up straight, gently rotate your neck and arms, and slowly bend over to touch the floor.
- Limit sun exposure
No one wants to be stuck inside when the weather is glorious — and the good news is, you don’t have to! A moderate amount of sun exposure is actually very good for you, but of course, you can have too much of a good thing!
Intense sun exposure has a lot of side effects, including dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, eye damage, and even sun poisoning. Avoid injury or discomfort by planning your summer fun during the early morning or after 4 p.m. Get up for a hike to see the sunrise, or gather a small group of friends to enjoy a cookout. You can still play games, splash in a pool, and make fun summer memories without exposing yourself to intense sun rays. If you make plans during the heat of the day, be sure to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest that evening.
- Hydrate through healthful eats and drinks
People tend to overeat at cookouts or on summer vacation. You don’t need to cut out anything specific from your diet, but be careful not to over-indulge, as it causes inflammation. Teach yourself how to read nutrition labels and be aware of portion sizes. Stay hydrated by grabbing fruits and veggies throughout the day to snack on — they’re high in water content, and they’ll help keep you full and away from the temptation of processed snacks. You can eat them raw or roasted, or sneak them into smoothies and popsicles for extra refreshing summer treats your whole family will enjoy. Try a berry smoothie or these 3-ingredient strawberry watermelon popsicles!
We hope you have a safe and injury-free rest of your summer!