As soon as the semester ends, we turn the corner to summer and all our cares are suddenly gone. No homework, few to no responsibilities – bring on Netflix and road trips. But as relieving as it is to throw all of your cares away, it is important to not allow your carelessness to become habitual. Here are 7 summer habits to avoid, as temping as they may be:
- Staying up too late.
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Image via Hannah Clare Barnes
While summer is the perfect time to start (and complete) all of the shows on Netflix you never quite had the time for – it is still crucial to keep up with your sleep. Watching ten seasons composed of twenty-four, forty minute long episodes in the middle of the night will definitely throw off your sleep schedule and by the time fall semester comes around, you will feel as though you have skipped into a different time zone. In addition, late-night marathons and Netflix binging are also the perfect excuse for midnight snacking
- Blasting your AC.
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Image via Time
Whether you like it or not, gas prices typically tend to skyrocket as spring transitions into summer for a couple of reasons: 1) manufacturers know that most people will be traveling on vacation and 2) it will be HOT. Having said that, keep an eye on your AC when driving – don’t be afraid to open up your windows. Carefree doesn’t have to be expensive.
- Tanning is one thing, but avoid becoming a burnt nugget.
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Image via New York Times
While everyone is trying to get their tan on over the summer, don’t overdo it and definitely use sunscreen! A lot of the time what you assume is going to turn into a beautiful copper tan actually ends up being a splotchy, painful, peeling burn. Doctors recommend a bare minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen if you plan to tan, however the higher the better. If you plan to swim, be sure to actually reapply (as big of a hassle as it may be) – while you may feel cool in the water, the sun never takes a break. Often times, it even just has to do with the time of day you hit the beach – mornings and evenings typically are the best times to avoid the worst rays. Take advantage of this and treat yourself to lunch at the hottest time of day, or take an indoor nap.
- Avoiding exercise because of the heat.
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Image via The Denver Ear
While the heat can become unbearable at times – don’t let that be a reason for you to stop exercising. If you are really concerned with being outside in the sun, hit the gym and take your toughest workouts inside! If you are one to embrace the outdoors – there are countless of physical activities to do on a hot summer day. Try a new water sport, visit a water park, or cool off like children and have a water balloon fight!
- It’s not all about the BBQ.
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Image via Shape
It isn’t so much about obtaining societies ideal “beach body” as much as it is risking your health, but be sure that while you’re traveling and having summer barbecues, you are still aware of what is going inside of your body. It is important to stay healthy and happy over the summer. As said time and time again – everything in moderation.
- Drinks, drinks, drinks.
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Image via Dr. Oz Answers
Branching off of maintaining your health – when it gets hot outside, we tend to turn to iced coffee and homemade, fresh lemonade as remedies for the unmanageable weather. Majority of the time, these sugary drinks contain more sugar than your average meal! Do not underestimate the power of cold water. All hail hydrate.
- Forgetting to wear sunglasses on a bright day.
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Image via Wall Proper
While skin is the part of our body that is most sensitive to sunlight, eyes are ranked as second! Going outside and habitually forgetting to wear sunglasses can lead to a load of health problems. Thankfully, sunglasses do not need to be expensive to do their job. According to clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
“As long as they offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection — a common feature — you should be all set.”
This summer is all about you, and while that may mean three to four months of carefree adventures – it also means three to four months of taking care of yourself. Summer is the time to really explore yourself and everything around you, but always remember that your health is more important than how tan you can get or how many episodes you can squeeze into twenty-four hours. Be safe and do your best to avoid these seven tempting summer habits that will tamper with your well-being.