It’s hot and humid, but the sun is shining without a cloud in sight. It is easy to throw caution to the wind and run outside with your kids and grandkids. It’s also easy to suffer from dehydration in this kind of heat.
By no means should you stay inside all summer and never enjoy this beautiful weather. Here are five ways to stay hydrated during the hot Summer months.
Five Ways to Stay Hydrated
Water
Simple enough, right? Water is the best way to stay hydrated during the summer months, but it can be a hassle to keep up with it. And if you are out and about with friends and family, it can be more challenging to make sure you are drinking enough water. The best way to correct this is to set reminders on your phone every 15-20 minutes. When the reminder rings, it is time to drink a glass of water.
Electrolytes
Water is the best hydrator, but you can be in danger if your salt levels are too low. If you have not supplemented enough salt into your diet during the day, you must drink electrolytes. Some electrolyte
options include Gatorade, Body Armor, Liquid I.V., and coconut water.
Cooling Towels
Our bodies are pretty temperamental. Cooling towels are excellent choices to help stay hydrated because they assist your body’s natural regulation system–homeostasis. As you hydrate, keep a cooling towel on your neck to help your body maintain a stable temperature.
Avoid Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Stay hydrated this summer by avoiding energy drinks and alcohol during the day. Energy drinks contain copious amounts of caffeine and sugar. Even if you get sugar-free beverages, the caffeine can hurt your heart as your body works to stay hydrated.
Alcohol is another drink to avoid. While you might enjoy a cold drink at the end of the day, drinking a few during the day while outside will dehydrate your body more quickly.
It is best to save energy drinks and alcohol for times when you are inside and relaxed.
Don’t Be Outside for Too Long
When you enjoy the beautiful weather, it is easy to forget how long you have been outside. Unfortunately, the longer you are out in hot and humid weather, the harder it is for your body to stay hydrated.
Limit your time outside to less than an hour when you have no coverage or indoor facilities nearby. If you want to take long walks and strolls, try going during the morning or later in the evening.
Enjoy Your Summer, and Stay Safe
The most important thing for you to do this summer is enjoying it with your friends and family. When you use these five tips along the way, you are guaranteed to have a safe summer regardless of the heat and humidity.
So get out there. Enjoy your summer, and stay safe!
