Summer means longer days, brighter sunshine, and warmer temperatures, which tend to help us enjoy improved mood, better diet, and stronger fitness habits. There are also a few summer-specific wellness tips and lifestyle habits to keep in mind for healthy summertime living.
Here are some simple summer wellness tips for healthy living:
- Get your vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient needed to support properly bodily functioning—everything from immunity to mood to defending cells against cancer! Though most of the nutrients our body needs are available via the food we eat, vitamin D is primarily obtained via sun exposure. Unfortunately, for various reasons (including indoor lifestyles), vitamin D is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in modern society.
So, the first summer wellness tip is to get outside and get your vitamin D! With that said, proper sun care is also an important part of enjoying the sun healthfully!
- Protect your skin with natural sun care
One of the best, most natural methods of sun care is to cover up and enjoy the sun responsibly.
That means that if you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period, it’s best to wear a hat and cover up your shoulders, neck, arms and any other part of your body that will take direct sunlight. Typical summer fabric has an SPF somewhere between 4 and 7. Generally, the tighter knit the fabric, the higher the protection.
The benefit of covering up instead of using topical sunscreen is that it doesn’t get into your bloodstream, fabric doesn’t wash off or need to be re-applied, and its lower SPF still gets you some vitamin D. It’s also important to build up sun exposure slowly. In the spring or summer, build up sun exposure gradually. This will give your skin time to respond by producing more melanin, which will offer increased levels of sun protection itself.
- Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is important any time of year (the human body is about two-thirds water, and we need it for all bodily functioning!)—but it’s especially important in the summertime sun and heat.
In general, you’ll want to drink about two-thirds of your body weight in ounces of water each day. (In other words, a person weighing 100 pounds would aim for 67 ounces of water daily).
And remember to boost your water take if you spend time in the heat—especially exercising or exerting yourself in the heat. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider or WFCC personal trainer.
A simple tip to make staying hydrated easier is to use a healthy infused water recipe. Many people find infused water more enjoyable to sip on throughout the day, and the herbs and fruit provide some additional health benefits too!
- Practice self-care
Summer is one of the best times to start a new wellness routine—the longer days, brighter sunshine, fresh air tends to help us feel more energetic and optimistic and better able to set and reach our personal goals. That means it’s a perfect time to get started with a new healthy lifestyle habit that you’d like to continue carrying into the colder, wintery months too.
- Develop an exercise routine
For the same reasons establishing a self-care routine tends to be easier in the summer, the warmer summer months are also a great time to start (and stick with!) a new exercise routine.
Please reach out to one of our WFCC PT Directors, who can help you get started on the best program for you!
