Angelica Haggert
I ’ ve got one of those summer ( spring ?) colds , so Exploring Matters is taking a departure from its bucket list to share reminders , tips and tricks for staying healthy while you are out adventuring .
Staying hydrated
The eight cups of water a day recommendation is a myth , your body might need MORE than eight cups of water , depending on what you are doing . Staying hydrated on the go can be difficult , but when you ’ re off exploring , it ’ s more important than ever to stay on top of your fluid intake . Investing in a hydration pack or good water bottle can mean you ’ re much more likely to stay hydrated . A two-litre hydration pack barely adds any perceptible weight to anything you might already be carrying . It ’ s also important to remember your body doesn ’ t just need water - it needs other nutrients too , so bringing a Gatorade or electrolyte-rich liquid is also important .
Staying nourished
Depending on where you ’ re adventuring , it can be difficult to make sure you eat properly . The temptation of chip wagons , drive-thrus and coffee stops is oh-so-tempting . Be prepared by packing healthy , easy-to-munch snacks - veggies , granola , crackers and peanut butter or cheese , etc . At restaurants and snack stops , look for healthy , light alternatives .
Staying sun safe
It goes without saying that protecting yourself from the harsh rays of the sun is important - but we ’ re going to say it anyway . Wearing sunscreen or zinc ointment , and re-applying on schedule , will protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays . Sunscreen is good for about three hours , but if you ’ re sweating or swimming , you should reapply more often .
There ’ s an app for that Check out these apps for your exploring adventures
Waterlogged You ' re not drinking enough water . We can help with charts and reminders ( upgrade ) to keep you going . Works with Apple Health , Fitbit & more .
Stop , Breathe & Think A free mindfulness , meditation and compassion-building tool that is simple , fun and easy to use . Check in to how you are thinking and feeling , and select emotions that guide you to recommended meditations .
Geocaching Join the world ’ s largest treasure hunting community with the official app for geocaching . Whether you are off to find your first geocache or your ten-thousandth , this app is your ultimate geocaching toolbox .
Staying on pace
Pacing yourself and not wearing yourself out is important in helping your body regulate its resources . Take breaks while exploring , and if you ’ re exploring every day , make sure you include some slower-paced explorations , like an easy paddle through the marsh at Point Pelee or a picnic in the park .
Staying calm
It ’ s just as important to be mentally healthy as it is to be physically healthy . If you spend the whole time you ’ re out adventuring arguing with your co-adventurers , you ’ re likely going to miss out on half the fun . Get together with your group before you go exploring and make a plan - or agree to go without a plan ! Whichever way works for you , keeping cool will help you , well , keep cool out in the sun .
8 The HUB -June 2016
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