SUMMER WELLNESS: HOW TO STAY FIT AND HEALTHY

Ah! Summer! The season of sun-kissed days, vibrant colours, and a joyful spirit in the air. But, in most parts of India, as the mercury rises, scorching temperatures, intense humidity, and relentless heat waves pose unique challenges to our physical and mental health. But, fear not! It's time to embrace the warmth and make the most of this time of the year.

We'll go through various ideas, suggestions, and tried-and-tested practices that will help you stay fit, healthy, and energized throughout the summer months. Whether you're seeking hydration hacks or sun protection tips, we've got you covered.

1) Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated not only helps you with your thirst, but also helps you in nourishing your body, maintaining energy levels, and keeping up enough stamina on sunny days. Some tips to stay hydrated during summer are as follows:

• Try to drink at least eight glasses of water:

Water is your secret to staying cool and energized in summer. Make it your mission to drink around eight glasses a day. But hey! Don't stress too much about the exact number.

• Add flavour to your water:

Squeeze a slice of lemon, add some refreshing cucumber, or toss in a handful of berries or mint leaves. You will notice that the burst of flavours in your water will keep you sipping throughout the day.

• Consume hydrating foods:

Eat some juicy watermelons, crunchy cucumbers, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you an extra dose of hydration.

2) Eat light and fresh

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines at its brightest, it's the perfect time to revisit your eating habits and savour the goodness of light and fresh meals. Some healthy summer tips on eating light and fresh are as follows:

• Consume seasonal fruits and vegetables:

Incorporate refreshing mint leaves, and hydrating citrus fruits like muskmelons, oranges, and lemons into your diet that will provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling your best.

• Opt for light and nutritious meals:

Swap heavy, calorie-laden dishes for lighter alternatives that won't weigh you down in the heat. Include salads filled with leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, and lean proteins like grilled chicken or tofu.

• Choose lighter cooking methods:

Choose lighter cooking methods like grilling, steaming, or stir-frying instead of deep-frying. These methods help retain the natural flavour and nutrients of the ingredients while keeping the dishes light and easy to digest.

3) Protect yourself from the sun

It's essential to remember that the sun's rays during the summer months can be intense and potentially harmful. Below are some healthy tips that will help you to protect yourself from summer:

• Apply sunscreen:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher such as Pond's Serum Boost sunscreen before going out into the sun. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating.

• Seek shade during peak hours:

The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Whenever possible, stay in the shade during these peak hours to reduce direct exposure to harmful UV rays.

• Use additional sun protection measures:

In addition to sunscreen and clothing, consider using a sun umbrella and oversized sunglasses, seek shade under canopies or gazebos, and use window tints or sunshades in your car to reduce UV exposure.

4) Take care of your skin and hair

It is also crucial to prioritize your skin and hair health during the harsh summer months. Some of the top healthy summer tips and tricks to keep your skin glowing, and your hair luscious are as follows:

• Cleanse gently and regularly:

Cleanse your skin twice a day with a mild, hydrating cleanser such as Novology Sensitive skin cleanser or Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and excess oil.

• Moisturize daily:

Keep your skin moisturized to combat dryness and maintain its natural elasticity such as Plum 3% Vitamin C Moisturizer with Mandarin. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog your pores.

• Protect your hair:

Consider using leave-in conditioners or hair serums such as Streax Hair potion serum with UV protection or Livon shake & spray hair serum to prevent dryness, frizz, and heat damage.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Stay hydrated for the maintenance of optimal body function.

• Include outdoor exercises in your daily routine, but avoid the peak hours when the sun is at its brightest. You can try swimming or water aerobics to beat the heat.

• Consume well-balanced and light meals.

• Include regional drinks, like kokum sherbet, bel sherbet, and coconut water, in your diet to keep yourself cool and hydrated.

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as a whole or in salads.

Don'ts

• Avoid overexertion in extreme heat conditions.

• Don't rely too much on air conditioners and don't keep yourself inactive.

• Don't consume unhealthy and deep-fried snacks, as these are difficult to digest and may increase your body temperature.

• Limit high-protein foods as they are difficult to digest.

• Avoid stale food. The rise in temperature and humidity during summer hastens food spoilage.

Summary

Taking care of ourselves during the scorching Indian summers is vital for our overall well-being. By following the practical tips shared here, you can enjoy a season filled with vitality and good health. Remember, your well-being is in your hands, and by implementing these wellness practices, you can make this summer your healthiest and most invigorating one.

Visit Wellness Forever for a wide range of products and expert advice to support your summer wellness journey. We offer our services round the clock and provide doorstep delivery in 2 hours. We also offer express store pick-up and hassle-free returns. Explore our website now and take the next step towards a fit and healthy summer.