After all that hard work, it’s time to shed the stress, decompress and enjoy a little extra self-care. So, whether you’re sticking around here for some fun in the sun or galivanting further afield, we’re bringing you our top ten tips for a happy, healthy holiday.
- Hydrate. Bump up your water intake in summer to keep feeling your best. It is recommended that men drink around 3.7 litres of fluid per day and women, 2.7 litres. Try making your own naturally flavoured water with sliced fruits or cucumber and mint leaves. Delish!
- Sun safety. No matter your skin tone, everyone needs to be safe in the sun – from avoiding sunstroke to preventing skin cancer later in life. Be sure to seek shade during the hottest hours, apply sunblock with SPF 30 or more throughout the day and wear protective clothes and accessories, such as a hat and UV-protective sunglasses. Looking fab, babes! 😎
- Food safety. Be careful to keep food cold with cooler boxes and ice bricks if heading off on an outdoor adventure – even if it’s in your own backyard. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in the heat and can quickly lead to an upset stomach. No thanks!
- Seasonal fruit and veg. Fill your shopping basket with seasonal fruit and veggies for a nutrient boost. Fresh produce is usually priced better when in season, too – a budget bonus! 💰
- Sleep. After burning the midnight oil all through exam season, now is the time to get your sleep on. You may know the saying that nothing great ever happens after midnight, so get yourself to bed before pumpkin time and give your body and brain the TLC they need.
- Alcohol moderation. It may be tempting to let loose this phuza Thursday (and Friday, and Saturday and, and, and), but this can have seriously adverse effects on your body as well as your mental health. Be chill – enjoy your favourite bottle in moderation.
- Limit sugary drinks. An ice-cold soft drink on a hot day is hard to beat, but take note: these types of beverages can contain as much as ten teaspoons of sugar in just one can, so opt for water or diluted natural fruit juice for a healthier alternative.
- Cool exercise. Moving your body is essential to good health. Just make sure to avoid exercising in the heat and drink water before and after to avoid dehydration.
- Spend time outdoors. Being in a green space such as a garden or park has proven mental health benefits, including stress reduction, among others, so let your eyes feast on nature’s bounty and breathe in that fresh air!🌳
- Limit screen time. Without an exam to get to, it can be all too easy to go down the social media rabbit hole and lose hours of each day comparing your life to the lives of others. Give yourself time to make face-to-face social connections or catch up on your favourite hobby. Put a constructive focus on you and your world for a healthier mental space this holiday season.
That’s it from us for now! Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season ahead.