Who doesn’t love a good old sunny day? The warm fresh air and the sweet smell of summer are a refreshing feeling. In some places receiving sunlight is a very rare event and is anxiously waited for. Sometimes you’re blessed with an unexpected bright sunny day, regardless of the season. You can plan a lot for when the sun shows up. May have a nice day out, a trip to the beach or even something as simple as going out for a walk to absorb some sunlight. So, it will be a great idea to use good quality sunglasses. You can either purchase it from a shop or order sunglasses online.
The sun is also known for being a natural source of vitamin D. You may be well aware of how patients that go through therapy or certain surgeries are often advised to have a stroll on a sunny day or wander outside in the rehabilitation centers. This is because spending a good 5-10 minutes in the sun could uplift your mood especially when you feel lethargic, depressed and discontent.
This isn’t a myth; sunlight leaves you more energetic and relatively more joyous as your serotonin levels are regulated. Sunlight is also beneficial in terms of muscle repair and can also clear up skin diseases like psoriasis. With all of the benefits associated with sunlight, it’s important to ensure you’re all set for some sunshine. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself to make the most out of a sunny day.
- Stay hydrated
Just as much as we can’t stress on the obvious, you need to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water is a very essential requirement for our body to function properly. It keeps you and your body cool throughout the day which is why it is advised to drink water even if you’re not thirsty. If you’re into sports consider having energy drinks during and after your sports-based activities. On sunny days you should avoid drinking sodas and carbonated sugary drinks as they tend to increase the risk of dehydration. Carry a portable and convenient water bottle that you can carry around when you’re out and don’t forget to refill it every time you get a chance. Health authorities recommend that you drink 8, 8-ounce glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
- Plan your picnics ahead of time
It’s best to have everything preplanned. Whether it’s a simple game of volleyball on the beach or whether you’re opting to spend some family time in the park under the sun. Make sure all details are already taken care of beforehand. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity of missing a pleasant, sunny day. From the route involved to the picnic spot, the food, and the activities, everything should be well decided before, so you make the most out of your day. Stock up on supplies that will keep you hydrated as well as anything in terms of health care that can instantly treat you if you suffer from a heat stroke.
- Wear sunscreen
While sunlight is great for a lot of reasons especially vitamin D purposes, that does not mean that you expose yourself to the sun and heat for hours and hours. It’s important to wear sunscreen to prevent skin damage caused by sunburns. Discoloration and aging faster also occur if you’re not wearing sunscreen. Reapply your sunscreen after two hours especially if you’ve come in contact with water. Cosmetics that claim to have SPF are not enough for your skin to prevent harmful rays of the sun, Sunscreens with SPF-30 and above are generally ideal for most places. SPF-30 blocks 97% of UV rays while SPF-50 blocks 98%. No sunscreen can block all UV rays. Sunscreen should be worn even if the sun isn’t out to let alone skipping it on a sunny day!
- Wear the right clothing
Ensure you’re wearing the right kind of clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are a good option when the sun’s out. While you may think a half-sleeved shirt would be better than a full-sleeved one, it’s not true as wearing full clothing reduces the risk of you getting sunburn/suntans and also aids in blocking UV rays. Consider wearing light-colored clothes as it gives you a cooling sensation and reflects sunlight better. Choose fabric wisely, cotton is preferable but remember to avoid synthetic fibers as it could increase heat. For footwear, you should wear slippers/flip flops, sandals or breathable shoes that allow air to pass through easily. Wear socks to avoid excess moisture and to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Flaunt those shades so you don’t hurt your eyes from the strong sunlight and maybe even throw on a hat especially if you’re bald to keep your head cool. Ladies, on a sunny day you might want to cut back on that drag makeup routine. Wearing minimal makeup and products that contain sunscreen can help your skin looking hydrated and moisturized throughout the day. Excess layers of makeup can feel too ‘heavy’ and can lead to sweating which could cause bacteria to build upon your skin, ultimately giving you acne.
- Be precautious
Beware of heat strokes and sunburns. In case you or someone around you is suffering from a heat stroke you must be well educated with your initial response to treating someone easily before they get medical treatment. Your first instinct and goal should be to immediately cool off the person and remove excess layers of clothing. Keep away from direct sunlight and apply ice packs to reduce body temperature. Do this while you’ve already informed the paramedics so the patient is professionally taken care of. In case you’ve received a sunburn, you should visit a dermatologist before applying any ointments that are not prescribed according to your skin type; you might want to act quickly if your skin is tender and painful, that’s a sign of severe damage and burns, therefore, must be taken care of instantly. Aloe vera is also a natural herbal agent that especially is used to help treat and cool down sunburns.
The Final Verdict
Enjoy yourself on this sunny day but just make sure you’re enlightened with all the precautions you should take beforehand so you’re well prepared always. You should also keep an extra form of clothing and supplies in case the weather changes drastically. All in all, have a good time outside but make sure you’re not skipping the obvious which is wearing an ample amount of sunscreen and staying hydrated!