6 Summer Health Tips to Feel Amazing This Summer

Making lifestyle changes has a significant impact on mental health and well-being. When you take care of your body and engage in safe and enjoyable activities, it has a direct impact on how you think and feel about yourself. Check out these six summer health tips to help you feel amazing this summer.

Fill Your Plate with Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of farmer-fresh produce. It can be fun to grow a few things on your own or check out your local farmer’s market or co-op. The American Heart Association recommends filling half your plate to meet with suggested 4 ½ cups each day as a strategy to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Move Your Body Outdoors

Many of the same activities that are enjoyable indoors can be moved outdoors in the summer. Do you love to read? If so, try walking around to find the perfect cozy reading spot. You can lay on the grass under a blanket or try a hammock for an elevated view. Yoga is a great activity to do outdoors at a local park. There are so many ways to move more during summer. Get out in nature and discover enjoyable ways to move your body.

Use Sunscreen

Add sunscreen to your morning routine. Using sunscreen not only helps prevent sunburn and skin cancer but also helps you feel amazing by keeping skin looking younger and healthier.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important all year round, but especially in summer. Eight 8-oz glasses of water are recommended daily. Did you know that 75% of Americans are dehydrated? There are a lot of reasons why hydration is important, especially as we get older. Those who are working or playing in the heat are especially at risk for heat exhaustion.

Drink up (more water, please)! While a refreshing cocktail or ice cold beer may sounds like the ideal thirst-quencher, be aware of the dangers of too much alcohol in the summer heat. Try infused water ideas as an alternative to alcoholic and sugar-laden beverages. Some ways to stay hydrated and feel good include carrying around a reusable water bottle.

Connect with Community

From festivals, family events, and fairs, there is an endless supply of fun to share with others. Summer is a great time to connect with friends and meet new people.

Keep Your Bedroom Cool

Check out sleep tips for the summer to help keep you cool and rested. Keeping your sleeping space below 70 degrees is recommended, with 68 degrees Fahrenheit as the ideal temperature to set your air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, using blackout curtains, running fans, and opening with windows in the evening can help keep your space comfortable. Finally, your bedding matters. Using a cooling mattress and/ or mattress topper and breathable sheets are all strategies to try implementing.

Written By : Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC