8 tips to cool off – and ease summer stress

The summer is reaching its hottest stretch with the calendar about to flip to August.
To avoid reaching your boiling point, here are eight tips to cool off and ease summer stress:
1. Drink more water – It’s an obvious idea, but one some people don’t follow through on. Make sure to stay well hydrated – it‘s the single biggest key to keeping cool in the summer.
2. Exercise – Exercise can give you a natural high by releasing endorphins, plus if you’re in good shape you’ll feel better.
3. Take a vacation – Even if it’s only for a day or two, take a break to get away from day-to-day stresses.
4. Eat fruit – Get natural nutrition and an energy boost with a snack that brightens up your day.
5. Go swimming – When was the last time you went swimming? What could be a better way to cool off than taking a nice swim? I can’t think of any.
6. Where proper outdoors clothing – Wear light colored, moisture wicking clothes to help stay cooler. Also, wear a hat and use sun block to further block the sun’s powerful rays.
7. Tweak your training routine – When the temperatures get too hot, it’s really not practical to be outside. So either get up early in the morning or train late at night outside, or move the workout indoors into your home gym. Get a treadmill or elliptical trainer for your home.
8. Plan ahead – Use your time wisely to have enough left over to schedule some of these stress relievers. It’s hot out, but with a little planning we can all stay cooler – and calmer.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.net