Summer’s here and that means we’re hoping to brave the shorts and tank tops for the next few months, (I know we’re in Ireland but I’m being optimistic!). Whether you’ve a holiday planned or just staying local, we all want to feel confident in our skin, especially as the weather gets that bit nicer. Here, I have compiled some tips which you can implement to get your healthy lifestyle kick-started!

 

Hydration is key.

We all know that water is important, but it is even more necessary to hydrate properly when it’s warm outside and especially when you’re sweating. Try aiming for 1-2L of water a day, more if you’re active or sweating. This can be easily achieved by carrying a reusable water bottle with you, or if you’re not a fan of the ole H2O, try mix in some fresh fruit or even mint or cucumber to mix it up! By drinking enough water, not only will your skin be massively grateful, but sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, which leads to unnecessary snacking.

 

Eat the rainbow.

When it comes to your nutrition, a great way to make sure you’re eating healthily and on your way to feeling more confident, is fuelling with plenty of fruit and vegetables, all various colours. By bulking your meals with more vegetables or salad, you fill up on less calories and more nutrients. This can also be adapted for snacking, a piece of fruit or maybe some veggies paired with hummus is a great way of getting your extra colours in!

 

Sweat it out.

Exercise can be great fun, and the key is to find something you enjoy so that it becomes a hobby rather than a chore to workout. Try aiming for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, be it barre, Pilates, spinning, walking etc. whatever you like. Exercising helps release endorphins, which improves your mood and even boosts your energy levels.

 

Step up your game.

Aside from exercising, there is a term, NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), which is basically everything we do that isn’t eating, sleeping or sports-like exercise. I’m sure the majority of you have heard that we should be aiming for 10,000 steps a day, which is something we can include in our NEAT. Whether you use a pedometer, or your smartphone is doing it automatically, it makes you more aware of how much you’re walking. This can easily be upped by parking further away than usual, taking the stairs instead of an elevator, walking to the shop etc. It all adds up and is great for helping create that healthy lifestyle.

 

Hit the hay.

Don’t forget about that sleep time. I know it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but don’t sacrifice your sleep. We should generally be aiming for 7-9 hours a night, which depends on each person. Getting enough good quality sleep is essential for your body to recover, especially if you’re exercising.