Summer Health Essentials: 15 Tips to Feel Fantastic All Season Long

As summer arrives, life often feels lighter and more enjoyable. The warmth of the sun uplifts your mood, while longer daylight hours invite you to embrace outdoor activities. With this revitalizing season upon us, why not adopt some healthier habits to enhance your well-being?

Here are some tips to help you thrive throughout the summer:

Shield Your Skin with Style: While it’s common knowledge to wear a hat outdoors, not all hats provide equal sun protection. Opt for a wide-brimmed sun hat crafted from tightly woven fabric like canvas, as it offers superior coverage compared to baseball caps. Remember, darker hats offer increased protection against harmful UV rays.

Apply Sunscreen Effectively: Don’t overlook areas that are easily missed, such as the tops of your feet or your scalp. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and ensure thorough coverage before venturing outdoors. Pay attention to often neglected areas like lips, ears, eyelids, and hands.

Beat the Heat: Combat the summer heat with a refreshing trick—create your own “spa towels.” Soak washcloths in cold water infused with a few drops of essential oil, then chill them in the refrigerator. When needed, place these chilled, scented towels on your face for a quick cooldown.

Revitalize Your Feet: With sandals becoming the footwear of choice, pamper your feet with some extra care. Use a sugar-based scrub to exfoliate dry skin, followed by a rich cream containing ingredients like urea, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid to soften rough areas, particularly heels and soles.

Explore Grilling Beyond Meats: While hot dogs and hamburgers are grill classics, don’t overlook the delicious potential of grilled vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, and peppers are just a few examples of veggies that shine when cooked on the grill. Experiment with different vegetables to add variety and nutrition to your summer meals.

Enhance Your Hydration Experience: Staying hydrated is key on hot days, and water reigns as the ultimate refresher. Yet, if plain water feels lackluster, infuse it with flavor by adding berries, melon, cucumber, or mint. These natural additions not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide a refreshing twist to your hydration routine.

Explore New Activities: Inject excitement into your exercise routine by trying out a new activity. You don’t need to commit to formal leagues; simply engaging in a different sport can invigorate your fitness regimen. Consider pickleball, a versatile blend of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong suitable for all ages, especially if you have children.

Alternatively, explore options like Frisbee golf, water aerobics, or outdoor yoga classes to embrace the summery vibe while staying active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, where you can comfortably talk but not sing while moving. If this seems daunting, start with a few minutes each day, such as playing catch or taking a leisurely walk with your family. Remember, healthy habits develop gradually, so stay consistent, and you’ll reach your goals.

Safeguard Your Eyes: Shielding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is essential to prevent potential vision issues later in life. Opt for sunglasses that offer proper protection, blocking 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB light. By investing in quality eyewear, you prioritize your eye health and ensure enjoyable outdoor experiences without compromising your vision.