4 ways to make a healthier you this summer

 Stay healthy this season with these tips.

You hear that? It's a collective sigh of relief that warmer weather is finally here. No more heavy coats, biting winds and mounds of snow. Yes, you're thankful to leave all that behind, along with the holidays. Because while it was great to see all your loved ones, the affect those get-togethers had on your waistline was less than flattering.

But thankfully, warmer weather is here and that means it's time to toss off those extra layers from both your wardrobe and yourself so you can find a healthier you this season. To do so, add these five tips to your daily routine as soon as possible.

* Find your starting point. Before you can improve your health, you first need to realize where you are starting from. Create your own health profile by seeing your doctor for your annual physical. Record your height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other important levels. Then monitor your numbers throughout the season to see how they improve.

* Drink more water. Your body is made up of roughly 70 percent water and medical experts recommend you drink nine to 13 cups a day, depending on your height, weight and gender. If you want to avoid caffeinated or sugared beverages, look for a water that can help replenish your body with essential minerals, such as Good & Delish Electrolyte Water or the Good & Delish Iceland Spring Water, which is bottled at the source and imported from Iceland's fresh glacial springs. Both can be found at Walgreens, and will quench your thirst while also giving your body the fuel it needs to power through the day.

* Set realistic goals. Goal setting is an important part of any health initiative, but equally important is that the goals be realistic and reachable. Whether you're trying to lose weight, lower your cholesterol or lessen your blood pressure, speak with your doctor to find your desired levels and what they think is a realistic timeframe to reach them.

* Get some sleep. Your new busy warm weather lifestyle may make this one a challenge, but you should never sacrifice sleep for other activities. Sleeping eight hours a night is recommended and it's also important you try to go to bed and get up at the same times whenever possible. The more you can stick to a set sleep schedule, the better your long-term health will be.

Warmer weather is seen as a time of rebirth and rejuvenation and that makes it the perfect opportunity for you to create the new you. Start with a plan and institute each of the tips above and that collective sigh of relief you heard at the start of the season will be a squeal of joy by season's end.