Six tips for staying healthy this summer (read time: four minutes)
Now it’s the summer holidays, it’s time to lighten up and let some fun into your life! Here we share some simple tips to make sure you’re making the most of your summer holidays and most importantly, having fun and managing stress.
- Nourish your body with a balanced diet: Make sure you are eating three meals a day and try to avoid unnecessary snacking. Ensure you’re eating foods from all the vital food groups including protein, carbohydrates, fats, fruit and vegetables. Some quick tips to eat more fruit include:
- Keeping a bowl of whole fruit on the table in sight so you can grab something quickly.
- Keeping a variety of fruits that are dried, frozen, canned, and fresh so you don’t get bored of eating the same thing and to avoid waste.
- Experiment with adding fruit in your main meals like tossing some grapes or pomegranate into a salad.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking ample water throughout the day!
- Smile and laugh as much as you can: Just like smiling, laughing reduces your level of stress hormones. Not only does it make you feel good, it also lowers your blood pressure, improves breathing and regulates your heartbeat. Laughing with friends is the best way to make memories that will last a lifetime.
- Prioritise sufficient sleep: Amidst all the summer fun, it’s crucial not to compromise on sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to allow your body and mind to recharge. A well-rested body is better equipped to handle the activities and adventures that come with the summer holidays. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest, with minimal distractions and comfortable bedding.
- Balance your screen time with other activities: Most of us spend a good part of our day using electrical devices – whether it be our mobile, laptops, or TVs. Try to limit your screen time to short 30-minute bursts and then take a break to do something different, for example, go outside or do some physical activity. Balancing our screen time with other activities can be part of a healthy lifestyle and will ensure it doesn’t interfere with our sleep.
- Make time for the things you enjoy: The summer holidays are the perfect time to indulge in activities that bring you happiness and relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book by the beach, practicing yoga, or exploring new hobbies, carving out time for your interests and passions is essential for your mental well-being.
- Practice gratitude: Gratitude is central to our health and happiness. Gratitude is one of many positive emotions which helps us focus on what’s good in our lives and be thankful for the things we have. Why not try writing a gratitude journal. This is a great way to write down all of your reflections and the things you are thankful for. Go back to your journal on a day when you’re feeling a little blue to see how many things you have to be thankful for.