CLARKSTON, Ga--Are you slipping into an activities slump with the rise of summer heat and humidity? Rodney Pegues, assistant director for recreation at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, offers these five tips to stay fit, cool and engaged:
- Diversify. Fresh, in-season, locally grown fruits and vegetables are in abundance during summer. Increase intake and diversify the color options by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Smoothie it out. Consider replacing a meal with a healthy and nutritious smoothie drink. You can make the smoothie yourself or purchase it from one of the numerous smoothie drink shops in the area.
- Go light and go bright. Time to ditch the dark colors clothing from fall and winter. Wear lightweight clothing with materials made from cotton or linen. These types of clothing materials feel more comfortable next to the skin and will help keep you cooler during the summer heat. Wear brighter color clothing, too! Brighter colors reflect more sunlight while darker color clothing absorbs more sunlight.
- Sign up and take part in a 5K (3.1 miles) walk/run. This will force you to take time to either get in better shape or remain in shape as you prepare for the upcoming walk/run event.
- Volunteer. If you don't want to walk or run, you always can volunteer at a local walk/run in your community. You can choose an event that supports a cause or program you support, and volunteers at walk/runs often receive a volunteer T-shirt and other items.
- Take a mental break. Add a vacation, staycation or day trip to your summer schedule. Mental breaks allow you to recharge, reset and come back to school or work fresher and stronger.