So summer is basically here for everyone and guess what that means? Swimming, bleaching your hair and staying out until the crack of dawn. Although these things may be fun, we could be compromising out health in doing so. Here are five tips to help keep you healthy during the summer, because what fun is a summer if you end up in the hospital?
1. Drink lots of water.
This may seem kind of obvious, but drink a lot of water. Summer is the key time for dehydration to smack you in the face and say "what's up, I'm here!" During the summer we do a lot of things that can dehydrate us that we totally forget about because we're having so much fun! Things like swimming can make you dehydrated without you even noticing, because you're probably thinking "oh it's okay I'm in water it's fine." Just remember that being surrounded by water doesn't mean you're actually hydrated.
2. Pack little snacks.
Pack some little snacks to munch on throughout the day and between actual meals. A lack of food throughout the day can cause a lack of energy and it can also cause you to feel fatigue and light-headed. Try to avoid foods with a high sodium content because that will also dehydrate you. So, those potato chips you love so much? Keep that in mind when you're scarfing them down.
3. Sunscreen.
I know we all want to be that super tan goddess, but keep in mind the risk of skin cancer as well as once again how dehydrated you can get. We should all follow after Spongebob's lead and make sure you wear some sunscreen to give you some protection. Would you rather be tan or have cancer?
4. Get some sleep.
Get some sleep, people! Just because everyone likes to stay up until the sun rises doesn't mean that we necessarily should! Getting six to eight hours of sleep per night will help you stay energized throughout the day–any more or less could leave you feeling groggy and more tired than when you went to sleep.
5. DRINK A LOT OF WATER.
I think I could've possibly said this earlier but drink a lot of water! If there is only one tip you take away from this article, I would hope that it's this. Hopefully with all these tips, you will have a safe, healthy and hydrated summer!