How taking it easy can help your health IMITA

Hot and can't be bothered? Here's how to maximise your wellbeing with the minimum of effort

HYDRATION MADE SIMPLE

Topping up on fluids might sound easy, but many of us don't manage to drink our recommended 1.2 litres of water a day. But did you know that juices, soup, and even tea and coffee count towards your daily intake? And that's not all.

Switching your snacks to cucumber, tomatoes, celery, watermelon, peaches and even yogurt can help you to stay hydrated in hot weather.

We all love summer but if the heat makes you feel lethargic, it can be even harder to force yourself into healthy habits that don't always come naturally. The good news is that improving your lifestyle needn't feel like a slog.

'We're all different, so what we ask of our bodies should reflect that,' says health coach Elaine Luck. If a strict diet and workout classes aren't for you (we don't blame you!), there are still small changes you could make that will result in you looking and feeling healthier. Here's what you need to know.

HIT THE HAY EARLIER

Getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night can be a struggle - in fact, the average Brit clocks up only six hours and 19 minutes of sleep per night*. But simply heading to bed before midnight may also help. 'Our sleep before midnight is the most restorative phase,' says sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan. 'Getting that deep, nourishing slumber sets up our energy levels for a happy and productive day.

MEASURE PORTIONS THE EASY WAY