As the temperatures rise and the summer days get longer, the list of summer possibilities seems endless. Whether it’s a trip with a couple of girlfriends, a new exercise routine, a weekend at the beach, or just spending time with family you haven’t seen in a while, there are so many ways to enjoy this summer to the fullest. It’s always important to honor yourself, too. Oftentimes, we can forget about ourselves in the excitement of the summer and what it could bring in terms of plans. However, there can be so much done during the summer to better our lives in the long-run. Here are 6 ways to live better this summer…and get a little sun while you’re at it!
Unplug!
It’s no secret we’ve all grown pretty dependent on our phones. Did you know the average smartphone user unlocks their phones about 150 times in a day?[1] Whether we’re checking our emails, scrolling social media, trying to answer the group chat with our friends, or anything else, we’ve gotten used to having our phone on hand. Unplugging from your phone and enjoying the moment is essential to living better this summer. We often get so into our phones that we forget to cherish the moment we’re living in and the company we’re with. So turn off the phone and you’ll see what a difference it makes this summer!
Take a Trip!
Summer always calls for exploration. Whether you want to go solo, with family, a significant other, or hanging out with your friends, a trip is never a bad idea for the summer! It doesn’t even have to be anywhere far or out of the way. Even just a trip to your local beach, a restaurant that’s a little farther out, or visiting family. A trip will lead to amazing memories and a chance to switch up the same old daily routine!
Have a Spa Day!
We want to pamper ourselves this summer, and you should, too. Maybe the rising temperatures aren’t for everyone, so staying inside with a nice fan and your favorite face mask is the way to go. You could even invite a couple of girlfriends over and turn it into a spa hangout day. Stock up on your favorite face masks, snacks, and drinks, and you’ll be good to go! We could never say no to a cooling aloe mask and a big bowl of yummy fruit!
Change up Your Diet!
We don’t just want to live better this summer, we also want to feel better. During the summer heat, we naturally gravitate to cool and fresh foods. Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet this summer to feel the instant benefits of a diet full of healthy variety and flavor! Yogurt and fruits, acai bowls, fresh salads with crisp vegetables, or even just a plate of sliced cucumbers with a little lime juice could be a refreshing and light snack to help you feel cool and satisfied during the hot temperatures! As we are sweating a lot during the summer, foods that hydrate a lot, like cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, oranges, lettuce, coconut, and grapefruit are just a few of the foods that can be incorporated into your diet to make sure you feel hydrated and nourished! All of the foods mentioned above are made up of more than 90% water![2]
Get a New Workout Routine!
Summer is the perfect chance to try out activities that have you outdoors and moving! The temperatures can get the best of you, so make sure to have proper hydration, and maybe even wait until the sun sets during days where the heat is just a little too much! A few of our favorite summer activities to work up a sweat include walking, going for a hike, trying a new dance class, taking swimming lessons, going for a swim at your friends’ pool, playing some tennis or softball, and going for a bike ride around your neighborhood! Trying out a new exercise can not only help work a sweat, but the endorphins will lead to an instant mood increase!
Apply that SPF!
We would be doing a disservice if we didn’t include one of the most important tips to live better this summer. Applying your daily doses of sunscreen is essential to continue to do your favorite summer activities without having to suffer from the harsh rays the sun brings. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun[3], so we’ll be slathering on sunscreen all summer long to avoid the harsh rays and keep skin radiant and protected!
Get Your Sleep On!
I know what you’re thinking. Sleeping? During summer? In the midst of all the new fun activities you’re doing, the summer is also a perfect time to catch up on your sleep. A lot of people usually don’t think about this, but summer can lead to extra time away from school and work, so you can take a chance to catch up on your nighttime routine. Adults between 18 and 64 need between seven to nine hours of sleep a night[4], and we can safely say this is not always accomplished when it comes to the daily routine of life in other seasons. However, summer gives us a chance to take a step back, take a break, and skip the routine. So use this hot summer season to catch up on your sleep, and watch how quickly this changes your mood, energy, and overall health!
Summer calls for being outside, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, and so much more. We always want to make sure we’re staying hydrated and having fun, so we hope the tips above help you round out your schedule with exciting activities. And of course, be sure to keep reapplying that SPF!
[1] https://techjury.net/blog/smartphone-addiction-statistics/#gref
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_19
[3] https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
[4] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics