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GOOD TO KNOW

bIt’s great to be outdoors
The warmer weather is just the sort of
encouragement you need to get outside
and appreciate nature.
“Time spent outdoors, whether it’s
walking, going to the beach or cycling,
helps reduce stress
levels, improves your
mental health and
reduces inflammation,”
naturopath Melanie
Armstrong says.
“Feeling at one with
nature is a rejuvenating
experience that
improves clarity
of mind, focus and
promotes creativity.”

bEating well
is easier
Summer’s heat brings
on cravings for light,
fresh foods – fruit and
salads. It’s also the time
when many nutritious f
including cherries, berries, mangoes
and watermelon – are ripe for eating.
“All of the delicious fruits and vegies
in season are full of antioxidants, which
help slow down the ageing process and
increase immunity,” Melanie says.
“Opting for these lighter meals can
also help with weight loss, which is
good for mental health as well.”

bExercise for everyone
If you’re looking for a kick-start to
become more active, the season’s longer

days could well hold the answer.

“Most people tend to hibernate

during the winter months, and it’s

often harder to find the motivation to

exercise when it’s cold,” Melanie says.

But when it’s warmer outside, people

are naturally more inclined to get

up earlier and

ake a walk, go

or a swim; or

make the most

f the later sunsets

y taking an

vening stroll.

Exercise not

y reduces your

k of heart disease

it releases

orphins, which

ke you feel

ppier and more

itive,” she adds.

That

thy glow

s you slap on

som sunscreen, the production

of vitamin D via sun exposure can be

terrific for your skin. Not only will

it clear up any dryness and chapping

from the winter months, but vitamin D

can also help relieve skin conditions

including psoriasis

and eczema. This

is because sunlight

can slow skin cell

growth and scaling.

Just be aware of

the time of the day

are naturally more inc

u

t

fo

m

o

by

ev

e

fruits –

ies mangoes

ve

“

nl

sk

ut

endo

mak

hap

pos

bT

healt

As long as

some sunscreen

ev

on

ris

bu

and the UV index before heading out.

“It’s best to get out in the morning

or the afternoon so you avoid the harsh

midday sun. And don’t forget to cover

up, as too much heat and sunburn can

make some skin conditions worse,”

Melanie advises.

bEase stiff joints

Warmer weather has been proven to

help reduce the stiffness and soreness

that comes with arthritic pain.

A study by Tufts University in the

US found that every 10°C drop in

temperature corresponded with an

increase in arthritic pain. It also

found low temperatures and rain

can contribute to joint pain.

“Many studies have shown arthritic

pain reduces when it’s warm and dry,”

Melanie explains. “Being more active

in summer also loosens up your

muscles and joints, which in turn

prevents stiffness.”

bGet out and about

When the sun is shining,

people are more inclined

to socialise. Whether it’s

a family barbecue, a picnic TEXT: MEGAN ROWE PICTURES: GETTY IMAGES

Discover why

sunshine and rising

temperatures are just

what the doctor

ordered

Melanie Armstrong

Naturopath