5 Ways to Supercharge Your Summer for Maximum Health and Happiness
School’s out, and summer’s official start is June 21st. I love summertime! Everything about it.
Soaking up the sun
Reading by the pool
Enjoying light, refreshing cocktails
At the same time, I always feel a little guilty over the summer. My self-care often gets pushed aside, and my healthy habits fall by the wayside.
I don’t think it has to be this way. I think we can indulge in summer fun and keep our self-care rituals going as well. Here’s my plan for enjoying a balanced, happy, and healthy summer!
“Self-care is how you take your power back.” ~ Lalah Delia
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Water is life! After oxygen, water is the second most vital need of the human body. We can go way longer without food than we can without water.
Dehydration happens when you’re losing more water than you take in. We’re losing water all the time – when we sweat, cry, use the bathroom, even a little when we breathe.
So what’s the problem?
Our body needs water to perform most of its functions. Not having enough can make us feel tired, weak, and sick.
It’s especially important to pay attention to our water levels as the weather heats up. I’ll be making sure I:
Keep a water bottle handy. We drink what’s in front of us. When I have water on me, I tend to sip on it throughout the day.
Drink water before I feel thirsty. By the time we’re thirsty, we’re already a little dehydrated. This lag is even greater as we age. Getting in the habit of drinking water regularly can help.
Replace cocktails with mocktails. I love a good summer cocktail, but alcohol is a diuretic. If you’re not drinking enough water, it can dehydrate you faster than you realize. I like to alternate between cocktails, mocktails, and good old-fashioned water. I still have just as much fun, and I feel much better after!
The only downside to staying well-hydrated is all the bathroom breaks. But looking and feeling my best all summer long is worth it!
Keep Summer Skin Supple and Sexy
Dehydration can also affect the quality of our skin. It can make your skin feel dry, red, and irritated. You might also notice that your skin feels oilier over the summer – the body’s way of countering these effects.
Besides hydration, we also need to protect our skin from the other effects of the sun. While we need that vitamin D, too much sun exposure can also:
damage elastic and collagen fibers;
cause premature skin aging; and
lead to skin cancer.
I’m going to be rocking my favorite hats and sticking to my sunscreen regimen to keep my skin at its best this summer.
Hats are not just for winter. Summertime is definitely hat weather, too! Besides giving your outfit an edge, they protect the largest organ in your body – the skin you’re in. Check out one of my favorites that never go out of style.
More importantly, you’ll want to make sure you’re rocking your sunscreen every day, hat or not. Make sure you find one that protects you from UVA and UVB rays. These are usually labeled as broad-spectrum. You’ll also want to remember to reapply often, especially when you’re swimming or sweating.
Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder is one of my favorites! It offers broad-spectrum protection without the oily feel. It’s a dermatologist-recommended lightweight mineral powder that is great even for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Now you don’t have to choose between looking great and protecting your skin. You might have to try a few different sunscreen options before you find the one that’s right for you. But there are tons of great choices available, and you will find a great fit with a little effort.
Stay Ready with Summer Essentials
Not everyone enjoys shopping, but I still recommend taking the time to gather at least a few summer essentials.
Socialization is so important for our well-being. We’re more likely to attend impromptu summer gatherings if we feel good about how we look and already have everything we need. Being prepared also eliminates the stress of grabbing low-quality products at the last minute.
Here are some purchases that keep me summer-ready!
High-Waisted Options. It can be tempting to skip out on summer events if you feel bloated and self-conscious. Baring it all can be daunting. High-waisted styles are flattering on all body types and offer some more coverage. I recommend stocking up on at least one high-waisted bathing suit and at least one pair of high-rise pants. You’ll love them so much that you’ll probably want to snag some more to wear all year round.
Beach/Picnic Blanket. ‘Tis the season to keep a large, durable blanket in your trunk. Perfect for beach, pool, picnics, food truck events, and movie nights in the park. I love this option from Wekapo. It’s lightweight, sandproof, and quick-drying. It comes with six stakes, so it will actually stay put. It also has pockets, and you can stuff it back in its pouch after use so it doesn’t take up a ton of room to store in the car.
Loose Long-Sleeved Shirt. A long-sleeved shirt may not be an obvious choice, but they are actually perfect for summer. They make a great bathing suit cover-up. You can also go from beach or pool to casual evening wear by putting one on over your swimsuit and throwing on a skirt or some slacks. Not to mention, they’re super versatile. You can roll up the sleeves, fold the cuffs, or tie at the waist. It’s one of my favorite summer looks!
Keep Your Sleep Going Smoothly
How’s your sleep hygiene?
Even the most health-conscious among us often skimp on sleep. We eat healthily and exercise, but then we don’t make time for restoration.
It can be even harder to get good sleep during the summer. If you have kids home from school for the summer, their schedule changes and late nights can affect yours. Plus, the heat can make it harder to get comfortable.
The amount of sleep we get isn’t the only factor we should be paying attention to. Sleep quality matters, too.
Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to:
obesity;
low sex drive; and
weakened immune system.
Poor sleep habits also put us at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, and a number of other ailments.
Stop thinking of sleep as a luxury and view it as one of the key components of your healthy lifestyle. I don’t know about you, but I'm also a much happier person when I am sleeping well.
Some summer sleep tips:
Accept that your electricity bill might be a little higher over the summers and keep your room cool and comfortable at night.
Set a quiet time for the household even if you allow the kids to stay up later than usual.
Don’t let travel get in the way of a good night’s rest. This portable white noise machine drowns out noises and helps me maintain my sleep routine wherever I go.
Last but not least…
Protect Our Pets at All Costs
Pets are the best! We just love them, and they are super beneficial for our well-being. It makes sense that they are our partners in crime on all our summer adventures. But it’s important that we are taking care of their needs as they tag along.
We always have our best friends in mind, but their needs are different from ours and we may not even realize we’re harming our best buds. Too much heat, exertion, and sun exposure can be detrimental to them. We may think they don’t need as much care because they’re animals, but it’s just not true. Let’s protect our loyal companions at all costs!
Keep Fido in the shade. Shade and AC are a dog’s best friends. Obese dogs, very old and young dogs, dogs with health conditions, and short-nosed breeds are at higher risk for heatstroke. Talk to your vet before you take them on any outdoor adventures.
Practice safety first. Life vests aren’t just for people. If you’re taking your pooch in or near the water, make sure they’re protected. Even dogs who know how to swim can get into trouble if they get worn out or run into an unexpected situation.
Be prepared. If your dog’s all cleared for summer fun, make sure you take plenty of water, like more than you think you might need. Their hydration is vital, too. These collapsible bowls make it easy to give your dog food or water anywhere.
Keep those precious little paws off hot pavement. Ever burned your feet walking across the hot pavement? Yeah, the same thing happens to dogs, too. If the ground is too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. When in doubt, take a different route. Think about how painful a burn is, especially when you have to keep walking on it. Don’t do that to your four-legged friend. 🐾
Summer is the best! I want you to enjoy it to the fullest without feeling guilty. Staying on top of your healthy habits doesn’t have to interfere with your summer fun. Having an amazing summer doesn’t have to compromise your health. Happy and healthy can complement each other. You can have a healthy summer and savor it, too.
Now get out there and have a blast!
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