This post offers tips and ideas to help you balance high-energy outdoor or creative activities with restorative or relaxing ones to maximize your sense of pleasure and well-being this summer.
2. Apply sunscreen generously, as it is essential to protect skin from harmful UV radiation, which peaks during the summer months. Sunscreen acts as a shield against DNA-damaging UVA/UVB rays, maintaining skin health, and even skin tone. Practice Summer Skin Sun Safety. The best times to walk or play outdoors is early or late in the day. For more tips about summer sun safety read Stay Sun Safe This Summer at the American Cancer Society Website.
3. Engage in nature-based activities. Let green energy and the healing power of Mother Nature help you take in nature's beauty and relax and/or refresh body, mind, and spirit. Allow for a few minutes each day to sit outdoors (for a natural dose of Vitamin D) or envision you are outside and picture the birds and other animals. Listen to nature's sounds and sights, or find additional ways to sense nature. Read this post from the Cleveland Clinic, about ways forest therapy is beneficial for your mind and body.
4. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This
healthy habit regulates circadian rhythm, ensures
better sleep quality, improves mood, and provides higher energy levels for
activities. It prevents the "summer
slump," keeps immune systems strong, and makes the transition back to
school or work schedules easier by preventing extreme sleep debt.
5. Stick to a regular, nutritious eating plan during summertime for energy, regulating mood, and supporting overall health during busy, warmer months. Try to keep meals simple by making sandwiches or wraps, cook ahead or serve one dish meals, or make recipes for foods you can serve at least two or three times that week. Perhaps you’ll introduce one or two new plant-based recipes to upgrade the quality of the food you eat. See “Make the Best TomatoGazpacho Soup,” “How to Make Superb Vegan Chickpea Salad”, and “How to Make a Tempting Red, White, and Blue Dessert," for ideas.
6. Set boundaries to avoid social burnout. When
you plan things to do this summer, nix activities that create emotional or financial stress, and reserve time to connect with people you love spending time with to fully enjoy your break. It
may help to plan your calendar in advance. Practice saying “no” and valuing
down time without guilt. See Budget
Friendly Activities to Create Joy for ideas.
7. Cool off your workout. Take a dip in a pool, ocean, or lake and/or participate in a water aerobics program. Adjust your workout time to cooler hours (early in the morning
or later in the evening). Remember to include the kiddos! It’s recommended that
children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
8. Reconnect with a friend or family member you haven't be able to see in a while. Reserve time this
summer to go out to lunch, or if your loved one lives far away or is working,
use Facetime or zoom to bond. Go with a bud to visit a museum, see a play,
movie, or concert. Quality time spent with a family member or close friend makes the activity more enjoyable, and you'll be able to savor the memories long afterward.
