There’s no better way to spend your summer than by taking care of yourself, and we’re not just talking about eating healthy and working out regularly! Taking care of yourself also means having the right gear to make your summer as comfortable as possible, no matter what the season throws at you. Here are five gadgets that will improve your quality of life in the hot weather months.
Set Boundaries
The summer months are a time for relaxation, fun and freedom—but with so much more freedom and available time on your hands, it’s all too easy to overwork yourself. To avoid burnout and exhaustion, try setting strict boundaries for yourself. Decide how many hours per day you’ll work and make sure you stick to them! It can be tempting to take every extra shift that comes along, but remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others.
Manage Your Mood
Feelings are sometimes overlooked when we’re focused on big-picture things like diet and exercise. But mood—how you feel throughout your day—also has a big effect on your ability to stay healthy and fit. Your mental well-being can impact how motivated you are to stick with your healthy habits, so make sure you take care of yourself. You might consider seeing a therapist or talking to friends about what’s going on in your life. The more comfortable you are addressing these issues head-on, the better equipped you will be to handle them as they arise.
Workout Regularly
In addition to helping you feel better and lose weight, regular exercise will also keep your energy levels high. If you’re tired all summer long, that’s going to affect your work productivity and even how much time you spend studying for classes (not good). The key is finding a way to be physically active without going stir-crazy in front of a computer or stuck behind a desk all day. There are plenty of fun activities that will help get your heart rate up—you don’t even have to break out your running shoes or swimsuit. Go hiking, take an aerobics class, play a sport (even if it’s just pick up basketball), play some Frisbee golf or go on walks with friends.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important all year round, but especially so during the summer months. Dehydration can be sneaky. It happens when your body loses more water than you’re taking in and it’s an easy trap to fall into during hot weather. Instead of relying on thirst as a barometer for dehydration, reach for water whenever you feel thirsty or before any activity that will leave you feeling thirsty after completion. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day, says Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD.
Think About What You Eat and Drink
Research suggests that there may be a correlation between dehydration and fatigue. If you’re tired throughout your day, try making sure you drink plenty of water every day. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have a glass before you start drinking anything else. It’s also important to remember that caffeine can dehydrate your body, which is why it’s important not only to stay hydrated but also to drink plenty of water while you have a cup (or two) of coffee or tea. Also, consider swapping out sugar-laden beverages for plain old H2O—you might find yourself more alert with fewer mid-afternoon crashes.
Plan Out Your Weekends
There’s nothing quite like a well-planned weekend. You can schedule lots of fun activities with your friends and loved ones, from football games on Friday night to Sunday brunch. Getting everything you want to be done doesn’t have to be difficult—you just need a plan. By mapping out your weekends in advance, you can make sure there are no unexpected hiccups along the way and that everyone involved knows when they’re supposed to do what. Now go have some fun!
Ditch the Grades for a While
It can be tempting to keep grades at the top of your list, but it’s important not to let them take over. You don’t want your stress levels (and life in general) to be dictated by a number. It’s far better for you and your sanity if you leave school worries aside for a while. Your grades will still be there when you return—your health won’t. It goes without saying that hot temperatures are tough on our bodies and our immune systems, which is why it’s important not to ignore signs that something might be wrong with us. For example, pay attention when you feel fatigued or in pain; those symptoms could be signs of heat exhaustion or even a serious medical condition like heat stroke.