Going outdoors can be more fun than staying cooped up indoors. The scenery is more stimulating, the air and atmosphere, infinitely better. However, venturing outside does present its own hazard, like changing weather conditions, UV rays, and busy traffic.
Still, don’t let these things keep you from taking the fun beyond the walls of your house. Follow these tips to stay safe.
Check the Weather Forecast
First thing’s first. Check the weather and temperature before making any plans to go outside. Going out in extreme temperatures can be very dangerous for anyone. If it’s 90˚F (or 84˚F with 70 percent humidity) outside, better stay inside to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Similarly, stay indoors if the temperature dips to 32˚F when you can get hypothermia and frostbite if you stay outside for too long.
Also, avoid going out during a heavy downpour. It won’t be comfortable or safe to go out in the middle of a storm .
Dress Appropriately
Another reason you should check the weather forecast is that it will tell you how to dress for your outdoor workout. If you know it’s going to be cold outside, then you can layer up to keep yourself warm. And if it’s going to be hot and sunny, you choose lightweight clothes with excellent ventilation. Specific gears and clothing especially made for outdoor activities are a worthy investment if you plan on keeping this hobby going.
Part of dressing appropriately is making sure you’re protected against the sun. On sunny days, make sure to wear clothing that covers up your skin. It’s also important to have eyewear to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. No matter the weather, always wear sunscreen before going out.
Stay Hydrated
Sweating a lot is a given once you’re outside, which means you’re rapidly losing water in your body. Make sure to replenish the water you lost and never let yourself get thirsty. Loss of water can lead to dangerous consequences, like exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, seizures, and even death.
Take a filled water bottle with you all the time. It’s even better if you use insulated bottles so it’s easier to keep either cold or hot water when needed.
Don’t Overstrain Yourself
It’s important to get out of your comfort zone to become more fit, but you should know when to slow down. There are many dangers outside your home, and you can’t afford to be negligent and overstrain yourself outside. It would be incredibly dangerous if you suddenly collapse in the middle of a busy road.
If you have a muscle injury, get it checked by a doctor immediately. Try a hot and cold massage ball to reduce the pain and help the recovery process. Remember to rest and give your injury time to heal.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay conscious of your surroundings at all times. Lots of unexpected things can happen outdoors, so you need to be vigilant if you don’t want to be caught off guard. Being aware surroundings will help you spot red flags or danger signals and avoid them or minimize the damage they cause.
Others are also not so aware of their environment, and it’s up to you to take care of your own safety.
Article and Images (www.pexels.com) Submitted by Lauren Hale
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