10 tips on making the most of Summer

Summer 2022 brings a much-awaited change to our lives and routines.

For some, it can mean making the most of long sunny days by spending time at the beach or pool side, having friends over for long lunches, or simply relaxing at home with friends and family.

Whatever your plans this season, here are ten tips to help you feel great and survive the summer!

1. Do something different

Try a summer class this year. There are always new hobbies, dance classes and afternoon fitness groups that can really help in balancing lifestyle and even meeting new people.

2. Feel good about eating

With the summer season comes all of the delicious foods! It’s a great time of year to eat plenty of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating well this summer and drinking plenty of water can help in keeping your energy levels up.

3. Get outside

If you’re feeling sluggish at your desk in the afternoons, instead of having another cup of tea or coffee, why not go for a 10 minute walk and get some fresh air.

4. Enjoy time with friends and family

Make the most of sunny days, and spend time with those close to you. We all love our backyard BBQs and what better time to have friends around to share in this great Aussie tradition.

5. Don’t forget to ‘slip, slap, slop, seek, slide’

This phrase is now very much a part of the Australian lexicon. No matter where you live – near the beach or in the bush – protection from the sun is a must.

Originally developed as part of the Cancer Council’s SunSmart program in 1981 it has since been updated to encourage people to not only slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat but also seek out shade and slide on a pair of sunglasses.

6. Stay hydrated

This is especially important on those hot summer days. Drink plenty of water throughout the day wherever you are – at the beach, watching the cricket or having a BBQ. And don’t forget about the little ones. They need plenty of water, too!

7. Sleep well

Even with all the excitement of summer, it is still important to keep your sleep routine, and to try and get enough of it. Giving yourself the right amount of down time can help with feeling fresh and energetic during the day.

8. Stay informed

Ensure that you regularly check the news for updates on the weather, road conditions and bushfires. This is especially important if you are planning a long day or road trip. Being alert to unexpected events such as severe thunderstorms or heatwaves and road conditions/traffic means you can be better prepared and plan ahead. Heat exhaustion can result from high temperatures, lack of hydration and physical exertion.

9. Review your finances

Being on holidays will often come at an increased cost of living – more eating out and entertaining, going on holiday, going to the movies or fun parks. It’s a good idea to plan a budget for the Summer so you don’t overdo it.

10. Safety first

Being out of our normal routines can lead to the need for more vigilance in Summer. This is especially so if you are taking a long road trip as fatigue can play a role in accidents, especially in rural areas. Research by the Australian Road Deaths database show that some of the highest incidences of road accidents occur in August, November, December and January.

Remember to stop, revive, survive by taking a break every two hours.

According to the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2020, the total number of deaths by drowning decreased by 8% on the year prior with 80% of deaths being males. At the beach always swim between the flags and wear life jackets when on the water.

You should also review your insurance to confirm your home and contents are covered whilst you are away and that your life insurance is up to date. Click here to get a quote on life insurance from NobleOak – it will give you an idea of how much life insurance will cost; or if you have existing cover from another provider, you can compare your life insurance – getting a quote can be a starting point for you to think about how your existing cover compares to what we have to offer. Having adequate life insurance cover in place can give you some extra peace of mind whilst you relax and enjoy all that Summer has to offer.