Have a Healthy Glow this Summer

Albiet between rain showers and cold mornings, the warm, sunny weather is making it feel like summer has finally arrived. Skin gets bared, make up goes lighter and everything feels healthier -in theory. Instagram has slowly but surely become filled with snaps of exotic locations and glowing, healthy women. Summer is a time in which we want to feel our best, but things don't always end up that way, especially when working life doesn't embody the wholesome, active lifestyles of role models. With that in mind, I thought I would share a few tips and tricks to keep your skin glowing and body energised.

Hydrate
I almost feel like I am cheating by putting this as a tip, as it is one that we are constantly reminded of! However, with added water loss from sweating, summer is the crucial time to keep your fluid intake up. Rather than aiming to grab some water or a hot drink at work, commit to bringing a (bpa free!) bottle with you at all times. Flavour with lemon or other fruit and herbs for added alkalising or antioxidant benefit, and to keep you away from fizzy drinks and sugary juices. The standard recommendation is eight glasses, or two litres of water per day, but how much you really need depends on climate, your activity level, and the water content of your foods. Drink up to keep skin cells plumped and hydrated.

Eat your greens
Call me a biology geek, but I find the fact that haemoglobin in our red blood cells and chlorophyll in plants differs on a molecular level by just the central atom really cool. The consequence of this, is that ingesting green, leafy vegetables is fantastic for our blood, helping to regenerate red blood cells. Healthy blood = healthy flush to the skin. Chlorophyll is found in the uppermost layer of cells on plant leaves, beneath the waterproof leaf cuticle. Go for a variety of leaves, especially dark green, for a variety of nutrients and high levels of chlorophyll. Superfood powders such as spirulina and chlorella are also great sources.

Embrace fat
The deliciousness of avocado has done wonders for stopping us fearing eating fats. Avocado has antioxidants and vitamin C that absorb free radicals to help slow the ageing process. The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado, and many nuts and seeds are great for maintaining moisture within the epidermal layers of your skin. This means that your skin will naturally be comfortable and moisturised, even without slapping on heavy moisturiser. Try avocado on toast for breakfast, or indulge in nut butter-filled dates.

Enjoy the sunshine
There is nothing like getting outside in the warm on a gorgeous summer day. Depending on the level of sunlight, ten minutes or so is perfect for getting the correct level of vitamin D for the day, without risking burning or skin damage. With spf applied, stay out longer for an al fresco workout, gentle walk with friends, or even just sitting and enjoying the warmth. The endorphins produced are perfect for counteracting stress, which causes havoc on our body, including breakouts and dull skin. Speaking of endorphins...

Exercise
Come on, you knew this was coming. We all know how great exercise is for us, but to make it even better for you, change thing up a little. If exercise tends to be a chore rather than something that you enjoy, do something different. Even if you aren't building as much muscle, or burning as many calories, doing something that you enjoy is worth so much more. For a complete body blast, try lots of different things. Mix up long, slow runs, with sprints and HIIT workouts, and compliment weight lifting with yoga and pilates. By cross training in this way, you target your whole body for a more well-rounded exercise routine than keeps you at your best level of fitness. As well as the physical benefits, a good, fun summer workout should leave you feeling great. A smile and a positive attitude creates more of a glow than any amount of facials and dieting can.

Finally, wind down
We are geared up to be on go at all times, but giving your body and mind a rest is so vital. Treat yourself to that ice cream and watch some trashy television once in a while. If you like, meditate, but acting mindfully is also great. Find whatever it is that helps you to switch off and embrace it. Like exercise this keeps cortisol, the stress hormone, at bay and lets serotonin take over. Ahh....