Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Here are five things to remember this summer to help you take care of your physical as well as mental health.
- Take enough rest: Routines may vary with summer events but you should aim to get seven to nine hours sleep a night. Keep your room cool and shades pulled to help make your sleep more comfortable.
- Move your body: Extra heat can make exercise uncomfortable in the summer months. Try to get some exercise in the morning hours before the sun is at its peak. Break up your day and go for shorter walk breaks throughout your day.
- Adda: Plan something fun with family or friends. Being social and around others will help keep any negative thoughts from ruminating. If you aren’t feeling like being in a crowded space, try to call at least one person to stay connected.
- Drink enough: Aim to drink more than the standard eight glasses a day. Put some frozen berries in your water or even some mint leaves and lime slices. Have snacks with high-water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Wear sunscreen: Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (Sun Protection Factor measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer), which blocks 97 per cent of the sun's UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun's UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 per cent of the sun's UVB rays.
Use these tips to take care of yourself in this summer and stay safe and healthy all the season long!
Source: Jefferson Centre
