The summertime is the best time to participate in your favorite hobbies. And you can have fun while prioritizing safety! Before planning your next activity, follow these safety tips for engaging in outdoor summer activities.
Stretch Before Starting Activities
After time away from outdoor hobbies, your body needs to adjust before rejoining the activity. Therefore, stretching is important because it prevents muscle strains and pulls. A few stretches like twists, squats, and lunges can prepare your body for movement.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing is an excellent safety tip for outdoor summer activities. Depending on the activity, your outfit and shoe choices will vary. However, it’s essential to wear the right gear to avoid injuries. For example, you should wear light and breathable clothing when participating in sports. You should also wear gym shoes that support your ankles.
Travel With a Buddy
The buddy system isn’t exclusive to primary school children. When you’re engaging in activities like hiking, kayaking, or potentially dangerous endeavors, it’s always best to travel with a companion. This ensures that someone is looking out for you. And if anything goes wrong, they can alert first responders.
If you prefer solo trips, always inform a family member or friend about the activity and the estimated return time. You should also carry your phone and identification information (ID in wallet), to contact people if need be.
Prioritize Rest
The long summer days can motivate you to stay outside longer and skip rest. However, the blazing sun and hot weather can lead to dehydration and fatigue. If you feel tired, dizzy, or achy, take a break! Go inside, drink water, and rest for at least 30 minutes.
Always Wear Sunscreen
One tip for protecting your skin from the sun while hiking is to wear sunscreen. And though sun is great for your body and mood, it can be harsh on your skin. The UV-rays can cause irritation and damage to your exposed skin. Fortunately, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher can offer excellent protection. While participating in outdoor activities, don’t forget to reapply SPF every two hours!
Create a First-Aid Kit
Accidents and mishaps happen. Luckily, you can prepare for them by creating a first-aid kit. Include supplies like bandages, antihistamine cream, pain relievers, and tweezers inside the bag. You can also add supplies specific to your lifestyle. For example, if you have asthma, keeping your inhaler on hand is helpful.
