Some might describe summer as the lazy days of the year; but don’t let hours of sitting on your patio under the heat get you down and feeling sluggish. Take advantage of long summer days with some wholesome ways to go about your days, and adventurous activities to enjoy outside. 

By adding a little bit of structure around your lifestyle, you can discover plenty of beneficial routines to enjoy on the daily. Not only will these few ideas leave you feeling mentally and physically rejuvenated all summer long, but you’ll likely find these healthy habits to stick all year round. 

• Pick Up a Motivational Exercise Routine 

Summer offers the chance to reflect on our overall health with comfortable temperatures and sunny skies for motivation. There are endless opportunities to take advantage of the nice weather, and becoming more active is one of the best ones. 

Many find that a morning workout is a great way to kickstart their day as they wake up early, hold themselves accountable, and get those feel-good endorphins flowing. Of course, they might make use of a supplement to give themselves the energy boost they need to get moving so soon after waking up – if this is something you think might help you, you may wish to take a look at these Energy Renew reviews to see if this could be a good option for you. When it comes to the actual exercise you do, whether it’s running every sunrise, doing yoga during sunset, or simply taking your dog for a daily walk; find what gets you moving and motivated to stay consistent with your new routine. You might even become inspired to start a gym membership year-round or invest in an indoor gym.

• Fuel Your Body the Right Way

In the same way you’re improving your physical health, don’t forget to support your nutritional health as well. Staying on a healthy diet will keep you feeling great each day and boost your immunity. Instead of reaching for more junk food, try planning your meals in advance, especially when you’re on the go. Find out which fresh fruits and vegetables are most in season and integrate them into your diet. These can include strawberries, watermelons, mangos, peppers, zucchini, tomato, and plenty more. Consider checking out your local farmer’s market or starting your own garden with an easy DIY kit as a more sustainable option to give back to the community. 

Dehydration is also vital to pay attention to throughout the summer months. It’s more common than you may think and can be very dangerous as temperatures rise and we sweat more. Be sure to drink water often. If you’re not a fan of still water, grab a naturally flavored sparkling water instead of a sugary soda as this can actually be dehydrating.

• Protect Your Body From the Sun 

A hot summer doesn’t come without the strong, shining rays of the sun. It’s imperative to protect your skin to prevent it from sunburn and damage. Otherwise, you won’t be able to achieve that glowing, sun-kissed look you have been dreaming of all winter. Harsh UV-rays can take a toll on your physical health leading to early wrinkles and increasing your risk of skin cancer. 

Any time before you head out, take the time to apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Even on a cloudy day, the sun can still damage your skin without the right protection. Ensure you also protect your eyes from the bright sun by wearing tinted sunglasses or a hat. 

• Stay Prepared Wherever You Go 

Summertime can bring countless opportunities and surprises for traveling whether it be local or across the world. However, the excitement of it all can easily make you forgetful of certain belongings. Next time you plan a day trip or week-long vacation, remember to pack a light to-go bag beforehand that you can carry with you. Stay prepped with essential toiletries like sunscreen, a first aid kit for emergencies, credit cards, and cash. 

This is especially useful in unfamiliar places, as something you may need to replace might not be nearby. It can be something as simple as having extra medication handy to avoid running out. Or, if your glasses become broken and you need an alternative, use a backup pair of prescription contact lenses in the meantime to avoid the risk of damaging something as important as your eyes. Similarly, choosing eye contacts may be a more convenient way to ensure you don’t lose or break your glasses in the first place. No matter the scenario, you’ll want to make sure you stay healthy and safe in your new destination. 

• Spend as Much Time Outside as You Can

When you reflect on the year and the changing of the seasons, it can bring to reality how much the weather alters your lifestyle. After being cooped up all winter, now is your chance to soak up the vitamin D by getting out of the house. Elements of nature and the sun itself both have a positive impact on our mental health as it provides vitamin D and releases serotonin in our bodies. “Forest bathing” is a cherished practice in Japan that promotes these benefits greatly. It’s a great reminder to encourage mindfulness in yourself and others with our surroundings. 

Whenever you find the opportunity, spend your time relaxing in the great outdoors. Have a picnic, go on a camping trip, bring a book to read at a park; and if you work from home, make the park your office for a few hours. If you’re not sure what to do, try something new such as rollerskating, kayaking, hiking, or even hula-hooping – you might end up loving it. Partaking in any activity outdoors really allows the chance to unwind from stressful workdays and fill your cup of self-care, which is a great thing to get into the habit of.  

Don’t wait for the chance to live your life to the fullest. Get into that new outdoor activity or try that new recipe. By the time you know it, summer will have flown by and you may not feel as motivated anymore. Getting into a new routine can take some time for your mind and body to adjust to. But once you find a perfect balance, you’ll thank yourself for starting it sooner rather than later. Now’s the time to make your wellness truly shine as bright as the summer sun!