The summer solstice has just passed, and the weather is getting hotter. It is important to take care of our health during this time, paying attention to sleep, clothing, and avoiding excessive cold. By doing so, we can maintain a strong and healthy body and prevent the onset of diseases...
1. Dress appropriately
During the hot summer weather, it is important to dress in a way that keeps our bodies comfortable. Here are a few specific points to keep in mind:
(1) Choose knitted clothing carefully, as it allows the body to sweat.
(2) Change into dry clothes frequently, as summer is a time of increased sweating.
(3) Wear shoes that fit properly.
2. Sleep and wake up early
The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon suggests that during the summer, it is important to sleep late and wake up early in order to expend stored energy and regulate the biological clock. The optimal bedtime is between 10:00 and 11:00 PM, and waking up between 5:30 and 6:30 AM.
However, due to the tendency to feel tired and fatigued during the summer, insufficient sleep can lead to various harms:
(1) Impaired creative thinking and cognitive abilities.
(2) Skin wrinkles caused by impaired blood circulation in the skin capillaries.
(3) Increased anxiety and decreased immune function, leading to the onset of diseases.
(4) Increased cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure sufficient sleep through afternoon napping, with a recommended duration of one hour.
3. Be moderate in seeking coolness
During the hot summer weather, some people like to use cold water to cool their feet. While this practice can provide quick relief from the heat, the stimulation of cold water on the nerve endings of the feet can disrupt the normal vasodilation function, leading to the occurrence of muscle spasms, arthritis, and rheumatism.
In the scorching summer, although it can be frustratingly hot, excessive pursuit of coolness should be avoided to prevent harm to the body. Here are a few points to keep in mind for proper summer cooling:
(1) Air conditioning: Be cautious of catching a cold in the hot summer.
When using air conditioning, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors should not exceed 5℃, and the running time should not exceed 2 hours. After about 2 hours, it is advisable to ventilate the room. Some individuals should not stay in air-conditioned rooms for long periods of time, and when transitioning from an air-conditioned environment to a higher temperature environment, sudden changes in temperature should be avoided.
(2) Fan: Although fans are good, excessive use should be avoided.
When sweating excessively, it is not advisable to immediately expose oneself to the fan. When sleeping, it is best to set the fan speed to the lowest setting and try to avoid directing the fan towards the head.
Lastly, it is important to prevent "cool mat illness" by choosing bamboo mats instead of grass mats and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.
During the summer, in addition to maintaining a regular schedule and practicing moderate eating habits, it is important to strike a balance between work and rest and maintain a calm and peaceful mind in order to stay healthy.
