Summertime is officially here, which means more sunshine, vacations, and opportunities to get outside and have some fun. While this season offers lots of opportunities for healthy activities and enjoying the outdoors, it can also be a time where unhealthy habits tend to creep in. If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy during the summer months, check out these 4 tips. They’ll help you enjoy all that summer has to offer while keeping your health and wellness top of mind.
Caring for Summer Skin
As any beachgoer knows, the summer sun can be brutal. The hot temperatures and intense UV rays can take a toll on your skin, causing sunburn, dryness, and premature aging. That’s why it’s important to take extra care of your skin during the summer months. Here are a few tips:
Wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re just spending time outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a moisturizer. This will help to keep your skin healthy and prevent wrinkles.
Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Seek shade whenever possible.
By following these simple tips, you can help to protect your skin from summertime damage.
And if you do find yourself with that dreaded sunburn, don’t panic. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends frequent, cool baths and moisturizer containing aloe vera. Check out Makeena brand Earth Science’s MultiTherapy lotion for deep hydration. And the best part? Shop with the Makeena app to save on your purchase.
Hydration is Key
In the summertime, dehydration is our biggest enemy. Did you know that, the moment you feel thirsty, dehydration is already underway? Mild dehydration has an easy fix, but moderate dehydration can be damaging, leading to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even low blood volume.
So, we all know that it’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. But what exactly does hydration do for our bodies? And how can we make sure we’re getting enough H2O?
Here’s the lowdown on all things hydration: First, water helps to regulate our body temperature, which is especially important in hot weather. It also carries nutrients and oxygen to our cells, helps to flush out toxins, and lubricates our joints. In other words, staying hydrated is essential for our overall health and wellbeing.
So how can we make sure we’re getting enough water during the summer months? One easy way is to carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. Fill it up at home before you leave, and then top it off throughout the day as needed. You can also try infusing your water with fruit or herbs for a refreshing twist. And of course, always make sure to drink plenty of water before heading out into the heat. By following these simple tips, you can make healthy hydration easy — and your body will thank you for it!
Also, be aware of the warning signs of dehydration for yourself, your family, and your friends. They include feeling thirsty, dizzy, lightheaded, tired, and having dry mouth, lips, or eyes.
You can even kickstart hydration by making smart food choices like water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, pineapple, watercress, and broccoli. And if that’s not enough, here’s a list of 43 recipes that’ll help you stay hydrated this summer!
Oh — and be especially mindful of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, especially in the summer heat! They’re both diuretics that can advance dehydration in the body. So, enjoy responsibly — or better yet, avoid them altogether.
Try Grounding
At Makeena, we’re firm believers that mental health is just as important as physical health. And with the added sunshine and time spent outdoors in the summer months, it’s a perfect time to focus on our mental wellbeing.
Whether or not you’ve felt frazzled or disconnected, you might benefit from the practice of grounding — a great summertime technique. Grounding is a simple but effective way to center yourself and connect with the earth. There are many benefits to grounding, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and boosting mood and energy levels. Grounding can be done anywhere and only takes a few minutes. To ground yourself, simply find a spot to sit or stand barefoot on the earth (grass, sand, dirt, etc.). Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. As you breathe, imagine roots growing from the bottom of your feet, anchoring you to the ground. Visualize the roots absorbing nourishing energy from the earth. Continue breathing deeply until you feel calm and connected. Then open your eyes and carry on with your day.
It’s simple! And, according to a study, the practice of grounding is linked to lowering inflammation, healing wounds, and even preventing and treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
And, it’s a wonderful way to get in that vitamin D! Did you know that around 50% of the global population has vitamin D insufficiency? It’s key for resistance to certain diseases and healthy teeth and bones. So, get outside and ground yourself!
Catching Rays and Catching Zzz’s
Sleep is sleep — no matter the time of year, right? Wrong. Sleep is very different in the summertime as compared to the wintertime for a number of reasons, and they’re important to understand in getting a good night’s rest.
First, light exposure varies in the summer months. When the sun is setting, our brains release melatonin. When it rises, sunlight exposure regulates our bodies’ melatonin levels to not only keep us awake during the day, but asleep at night. Because the sun shines brighter in the summertime, it’s easier to wake up. That’s why it’s easier to fall asleep in the winter months.
Also — it’s hotter in the summertime, which can make it harder to sleep and sometimes the air conditioner simply won’t cut it. However, we all need rest! It’s estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans struggle with sleep-related problems.
To improve your sleep in the summer, try sticking to a consistent schedule. It may also be helpful to darken your room before bed and use lightweight fabrics for pajamas and sheets. Also, be sure to get those steps and that exercise during the day to promote restful sleep. And, if that’s not doing the trick, you can save by purchasing Makeena brand Boiron’s melatonin-free, natural sleep aid.
Above all else, work to prioritize your sleep. As the saying goes, we are not healthy unless our sleep is healthy!
While it can be tough to stay healthy during summertime, it’s definitely not impossible. With a little bit of effort and some creative thinking, you can enjoy the warmer weather while still maintaining your health and well-being. We hope these tips have inspired you to get outside and enjoy the sun this season! Are there any other ways that you like to stay healthy during summer? Let us know and stay tuned for the next Makeena blog.
