7 Life Hacks for Healthy Summer

Boost Your Health This Summer With These 7 Simple Tips

Summer has arrived and with it comes warm weather, more time outdoors, vacations, and the like. And while many of us look forward to longer days, more time with the family, and summer activities, there’s also the potential for increased health risks with the season.

Excessive heat, dehydration, and over-exertion can all take their toll. This summer, take more time to focus on self-care and wellness and be the healthiest version of yourself that you can be.

These simple tips will help boost your health this summer:

1. Soak Up Your Vitamin D

Sun exposure is the primary way our bodies obtain vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for everything from your immune system to your mood. So, spend more time in the sun this summer taking in enough vitamin D to get you through the cloudy winter months. It’s good for your body and your mental health!

2. Eat More Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help to prevent damage to tissues and age-related illnesses and cancer, as well as keep cholesterol low. Delicious on their own or tossed over a scoop of sugar-free ice cream, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries will give your summer diet – and immune system - a boost.

3. Stay Hydrated

The human body is made up of approximately two-thirds water. In the summertime, we tend to lose more water due to the sun and excessive heat. While proper hydration is important all year long, it’s especially pressing during the hotter months when we tend to lose more water from sweating.

Generally, you’ll want to drink two-thirds of your body weight in ounces of water every day. And for every 30 minutes you spend in the heat or sweating, add an additional 12 ounces of water.

4. Move Your Exercise Routine Outdoors

Skip the gym and take advantage of the beautiful weather by exercising outside. Hikes, walks, swimming or even playing games with your family and friends are not only fun but good for you.

5. Take a Vacation

Who knew, taking a vacation is actually good for your health! Pick a destination and then head off for some summer rest and relaxation. Vacations have multiple benefits including helping to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.

6. Wear Sunglasses

The summer sun is strong so it’s important to protect your eyes from the elements. Take care of your vision by wearing quality sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays when you’re outside.  Sunglasses not only help to prevent cataracts but also help to reduce wrinkles around the eyes too.

7. Get More Sleep

You may not have to get up early the next day during the summer, but it’s still important to head to bed at a reasonable hour. Good sleep habits are good for your overall well-being. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep per night so you wake up feeling your best.

Staying healthy this summer – and beyond – doesn’t have to be difficult. These simple strategies are easy to implement and will result in a boost to your overall health.