It is that time of the year again! Summer! Lots of heat, lots of ice cream, lots of food, lots of beach vacays, lots of summer holidays, summers have it all! Whether you are traveling for recreational purposes or a business trip, you need to be careful about the mercury soaring high, leading to dehydration, heat strokes, skin ailments, etc. Contrary to popular belief, summer is the reason behind most health issues. So, you’ve got to take all the precautions possible for yourself and your family. Including little things like a water bottle in your traveling routine could make a huge difference in your health and life. If you are clueless about how to go about it, then here are few tips to take care of yourself while traveling this summer.
1. Eat Right
Oily foods can be unhealthy for your digestive system, making you feel heavy. Instead, increase your intake of salads and fruits. Veggies and fruits have high water content, which keeps you hydrated in the heat. Also, foods with a high content of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are good for your body. Being responsible with your diet is a crucial step towards a healthy summer. You cannot afford a tummy upset during traveling. Hence make sure you either eat light if you have food outside or carry fruits or light snacks with you everywhere you go, in an insulated food jar or food storage container. This will prevent you from having junk.
2. Sun protection
Applying sunscreen in summers is non-negotiable. You need to apply it even though you are indoors or even if it is raining. It doesn’t only protect you from sunburns but also keeps you safe from the harmful UV rays that can cause brown spots, skin cancer, and wrinkling. A minimum SPF of 30 is compulsory. Since traveling automatically means longer sun time, keep reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Extend the protection to your neck and hands too. Wearing a scarf or a hat can further enhance the protection.
3. Work it out
It is not only about having a great body, but it is also about sweating it out and pushing out toxins from the body. As the temperature increases, sweating becomes highly important to maintain a proper temperature to prevent it from overheating. Exercising and working out will ensure that. Traveling is not an excuse not to work out. Take 30 minutes of your day and give your body a sweat session with simple warm-up exercises or cardio, or even yoga. This will immensely help you fight off the heat in summers.
4. Bathe
Our sweat glands work actively during summers, and the pores on your skin can clog with dirt and sweat. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to take extra care of your personal hygiene during the summertime. Taking a bath at least twice a day is a necessity in the sticky and sweaty Indian summers. It also keeps the body odor and infections at bay. Also, apply some anti-prickly heat powder, making it an after-shower ritual. Since you are traveling a lot, make sure you are taking a bath before you start your day and once before sleeping at night. This will relax you and will also wash away the pollution and dirt from your body.
5. Take care of your skin
The dead skin cells increase during the summers, which could also mean that you have to exfoliate your skin daily. It doesn’t mean that you should over-exfoliate, but you should also moisturize your body well enough. Apply cooling and rehydrating face masks to keep your face glowing and fresh. Traveling means exposing your body to a lot of pollution, dirt, and sun. Your skin needs some extra care during these days. Hence, it is advisable to take time to care for your skin even if you are tired after a long day.
6. Hydration
The body loses a lot due to sweating which needs to be replenished. The heat could even be the reason behind losing electrolytes. Drinking an adequate amount of water to compensate for this loss is the way to go. Doctors and nutritionists recommend drinking at least 2-3 liters of water every day. Avoiding colas, alcohol, coffee, and tea are best avoided. Instead, drinking infused water, coconut water, lemonade, buttermilk, juices are healthy alternatives to water. But nothing can replace water. It relinquishes your thirst and detoxifies your body. Make sure you are carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go. An insulated water bottle might be a better option as it will keep your water cool for longer periods, letting you enjoy a refreshing, cold sip wherever you are.
7. Eye Care
The eyes need to be protected from the UV rays at all costs. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is the perfect way to protect your eyes. You should carry these basic summer items with you everywhere you go. It is advisable not to even step out without putting these on.
8. Foot Care
It is better to opt for sandals rather than closed shoes in the summer. Your feet can easily sweat in the closed shoes, which can lead to fungal and bacterial infections. The sandals will allow the sweat to dry. It would help if you also washed your feet as soon as you return to your room. Add some essential oil to a bucket of hot water and immerse your feet in it. This will immensely soothe and relax your feet.
9. Embrace cotton
Let your body breathe easily by getting into cotton clothes. Avoid synthetic, tight-fitted clothes that hamper easy evaporation of sweat. Wear cotton-based fabrics like khadi, linen to keeps your body cool by absorbing sweat. Wear full-sleeved, loose cotton tops, shirts, or kurtas to avoid getting sunburnt or tanned.
Conclusion
Sticking to these easy and simple tips during traveling in summers can help you a great deal. Summers are meant to be enjoyed, but you should also be wary of the side effects of long hours in the sun, especially when you are traveling. It is when you need to be extra careful and alert. Yes, summers are all about having fun while being responsible and careful. Making a conscious effort to do these little things can ward off the heat and its disadvantages. Here’s to happy traveling this summer!