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Everyone always tells you to watch your drink, stay around people you know, and never walk home from a party alone…but what about other celebration dangers that you have to be more aware of now that it is summer? Applying sunscreen and adhering to the rules of the beach and ocean are just a few things to consider to stay safe, but I want to address something that is often talked about but usually not taken as seriously as it should be: staying hydrated. Below are some tips to avoiding dehydration at your outdoor, summer festivities!

1)    Start by drinking water. By drinking water in small intervals all day, it ensures that you are staying hydrated and does not give your body a chance to get thirsty (feeling thirst is a indicator of dehydration, but usually it is not felt until the body is already dehydrated). Carry around a water bottle (like a Sigg reusable one) and make it a habit to sip all day!

2)    If water is not your drink of choice, your next best bet is sports drinks. You can also find some added hydration in smoothies, juice, tea, and fruit such as watermelon and grapes. Even better, you can check out this Redbook article which highlights eight nutritionist approved water alternatives.

3)    If you are celebrating something big, chances are that alcohol will be present. Remember that alcohol and the sun do not mix well. Alcohol dehydrates your body and dehydrated bodies are more prone to heat exhaustion; can you see why this is not the best combination? If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure you are sipping water alongside your alcoholic beverage. Also remember that you probably should not drink as much as you do at the bars when you are inside and in air conditioning; drink lightly and try some mixed drinks with non-carbonated mixers such as orange juice to negate at least some of the dehydration factors.

4)    Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can materialize before you even realize that you are dehydrated which is why it is so important to know the symptoms and signs. The early symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating, increased thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps. If you find yourself not feeling your best, make sure you get yourself into the shade or into an air conditioned room and hydrate right away; because heat exhaustion can arise from either water or salt depletion, a sports drink is a good way to start rehydrating.

In the end, it is important to take care of yourself and know what your body is feeling. Remember that drinking a cold drink, sitting in the shade, or swimming in the pool can prevent you from feeling the symptoms of your body overheating and dehydrating. As long as you take steps to consciously drink water and keep the above in mind, you should have a great time at your summer celebrations!

What are your stay healthy and happy plans for summer? Tweet us @UChic with your thoughts! Want more inspiration? Visit UChic on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TUMBLR