Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated

The warmer it gets, the more difficult it can be to keep yourself hydrated. The temperatures goes up and you're left sweating and thirsty for a majority of the day. It's a pattern, that, after time can become tired and cumbersome, leading you to not drink as much as you should. Or to try and avoid outdoor activities rather than to keep a glass full of cold water. 

But by ensuring that your body is consuming the right liquids you can help make that task much easier.

First off, drink plenty of water – generally half of your body weight in ounces is a good amount. This will help flush the body while still making sure it has enough water to perform its daily duties in a healthy manner. If water plain doesn't do it for you, look to natural additives, such as honey and lemon, cucumbers, or other fruits that can flavor your daily drinks. (Be on the look out for sugary mixes or concentrates as they can come with dehydrating sugars and chemicals.)

Sports drinks, healthy teas, juices, and more can also be considered, just be sure and read labels thoroughly so you're not ingesting unwanted substances. 

Next, check for drinks that rob you of that water content. Sodas, high caffeine counts, etc. can all work to dehydrate you. Even though they're liquid (and oftentimes based with water.) Keep caffeine to a minimum, and read labels for sugar contents or any other "draining" ingredients. 

Finally, it's time to listen to your body. It knows when it needs more liquid, when it needs to eat, and so on. The key is to not only learn to listen, but more importantly, understand what each cue means. Rather than mistaking hunger or a sweet tooth, you can know when water is needed – a sure-fire way to avoid dehydration. 

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Avoid Muscle Pains With Proper Skin Care

Along with summer comes a number of seasonal changes – for instance, spending more time outdoors or having to brace yourself for the impending heat each time you step outside the door. One of the biggest changes, however, comes from all the direct sunlight that comes into contact with your skin. Whether you’re making a quick run to the car or are spending hours of exposed time out in the heat, it’s important to take the necessary precautions.

Failing to do so can leave you not only with a nasty and painful sunburn, it can cause permanent damage to the skin, and even work to harm deeper layers. Whether leaving scars or just tensing muscles from healing follicles (and all the cringing), sunburns can leave you in a painful state from the very second they occur. And worst of all, it’s days – if not weeks – until the skin is completely back to normal. (Even if it’s peeled and appears to be back to its original state.)

How to Take Care of Your Skin

Obviously, the easiest way to avoid a burn is through the use of sunscreen. No matter how tan you are, no matter how tan you want to be, sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful rays. Besides, spending enough time in the light will still allow for some color (depending on one’s complexion), while the sunscreen protects it in the process. 

It’s also a good idea to choose shade, a large-brimmed hat, or any other blockage to help shield yourself. Sitting in the shade even for a few minutes can help add some much needed relief to your skin, especially after hours in the sun. And if it’s not too hot, light layers will also add further protection. 

To save both your skin and the muscles underneath it, consider taking steps toward better sun protection today. 

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