The summer season means sunshine, weekends spent at the beach and summer vacation road trips with family and friends. There is so much to look forward to during the summer months, but it’s important to stay well so you can enjoy each and every moment. Here are nine summer wellness hacks to keep you feeling your best this summer season.
#1 Drink Plenty of Water
No matter what the season, it’s always important to stay hydrated, but it’s especially important during the hot summer months when temperatures and heat indexes begin to rise. Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times so you can stay hydrated no matter where your summer adventures take you. Add a splash of flavor with some fresh fruit. Some classic combinations include:
- Cucumber Slices + Fresh Mint Leaves
- Lemon
- Lemon + Lime
- Lemon + Strawberries (Strawberry Lemonade)
- Pineapple
#2 Eat for the Seasons
Summertime is synonymous with local farmers markets, so switch up your weekend grocery shopping with a trip to the community farmers market. Take some time to talk with the local farmers to find out what’s in season and stock up on summertime staples like corn on the cob, garden fresh tomatoes and watermelon. Ask your friends to join you and shop the local farmers market together then have a summertime picnic at your community park. Pack snacks to share like pork rinds, nuts and something sweet like chocolate.
#3 Enjoy Cooling Foods
During warmer months, our bodies naturally crave cool foods to help our systems beat the heat, so stick to lighter fare like fresh fruit, gazpacho, homemade fruit popsicles, raw produce and salads to help keep cool. Some of the best cooling foods that can also help keep you hydrated include cucumber, oranges, spinach strawberries, watermelon.
#4 Get Outside
The summer season is all about enjoying the great outdoors, so find some time to get outside. Take advantage of the early sunrise and get in a morning run before your day begins. Take your afternoon lunch break outside or go for a leisurely walk after dinner around the neighborhood. Use the longer days to your advantage to get outside and enjoy the summer sunshine.
#5 Slather on the Sunscreen
Before heading outdoors into the summer sunshine, apply a safe sunscreen. Use 1-2 ounces of sunscreen to cover each part of your face and body (roughly the size of a shot glass) and remember to reapply every two hours.
Tip: Re-apply sunscreen more frequently if sweating or swimming.
#6 Sleep
Don’t let the lure of late nights stand in the way of a good night’s sleep. 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal, so give your body the proper sleep and restoration it needs. Going to bed at a time that ensures adequate sleep is the first step to getting proper shut eye.
#7 Workout Outdoors
Take your indoor treadmill workout outdoors and hit the local trails instead. Sign up for a race such as a fun run, a 5K, 10K, half marathon or even a full marathon. Do your research and find the right running race for you. You can even invite family and friends to join in on the running fun.
Tip: Many community gyms and local yoga studios offer outdoor classes during the summer months, so explore nearby outdoor options.
#8 Don’t Overcommit
Summer calendars fill up fast, which can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed. During the summer months (and every month) don’t be afraid to say no. Choose how you spend your time and don’t over commit yourself. Remember to take time for you!
#9 Enjoy the Summer Season
The summer season goes by fast, so take time to enjoy the present moment and make the most of it. Don’t overcommit yourself, but fill your calendar with summertime activities you truly enjoy like picnics in the park, weekend street fairs and festivals, movies in the park or days spent at the beach or pool. Check your local park district website for more information on what summertime activities are available to you and your family in your community.
Summer only comes around once a year so make the most of it with these summer wellness tips. Happy summer everyone!