How to Feel More Energized in the Summer
To feel more energized in the summer, you have to rehydrate all the time. That obviously means drinking water frequently, but it also means eating foods that hydrate and replenish electrolytes. Electrolytes are nutrients that are crucial to many of our body’s most basic functions. The main ones are sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride
When we sweat, we shed fluids and electrolytes. We also lose moisture when we go to the bathroom, speak, and breathe. And as we lose moisture, we lose energy.
Our body works hard to maintain homeostasis of our core body temperature. When we overheat, our metabolism increases, requiring more calories and time to restore. When this happens, our heart rate increases and our blood pressure drops as the body dissipates heat through our skin by widening the blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
This in turn causes us to feel more tired, sluggish, and even moody. When we lose water via sweat evaporation, our mucus membranes become drier, which can leave us more prone to respiratory infections. Microbes have an easier time sticking to drier mucus membranes and a harder time being expelled by the body in these conditions.
12 Steps to Stay Cool and Energized in Hot Weather
- Wear light-colored clothing made of natural, breathable fabrics.
- Walk and stand in the shade whenever you can.
- Wear hats with brims or visors.
- Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water every day, and more when you exercise or otherwise get sweaty.
- Drink some coconut water for potassium and fluids. Stay away from sugary sports drinks.
- Eat often, having healthy snacks between meals.
- Eat lots of salads, which are cool and refreshing and full of moisture and electrolytes.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables for water, nutrients, and good carbs.
- Limit your sugar intake and avoid processed foods as much as possible.
- Use sunscreen and avoid prolong periods in the sun. The sun can sap you of energy, cause cosmetic skin problems, and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
- Take cool showers.
- Take restorative 20-minute power naps when possible.
