Those are just some of the reasons why summer health tends to be our best health, and why the best versions of ourselves often come out in the summertime.<\/p>\n
Summer Health Goals<\/h2>\n
Now that summer has officially arrived, it\u2019s time to recalibrate your life, and let the warm summer sun energize you and invite you to be more active and happier. Part of moving towards a better, improved, and healthier you is establishing clear goals and figuring out pathways to achieve those goals.<\/p>\n
If you suddenly have a newfound source of energy in the summertime, use it to your advantage. Below are some common examples of summer health goals:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Being more physically active (such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and swimming)<\/li>\n
- Spending more time outdoors and among nature (such as beach walks or connecting with nature in a national park)<\/li>\n
- Losing weight in time for swimsuit season (summer body goals)<\/li>\n
- Feeling happier and more motivated (mental health goals)<\/li>\n
- Catching up with friends (social and emotional health)<\/li>\n
- Trying new outdoor hobbies (such as gardening or mountain biking)<\/li>\n
- Travel and adventure (for mental health and reenergizing yourself)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whether you are looking to improve your physique, boost your mental well-being, lose weight, or discover new hobbies, here\u2019s how you can crush your summer health goals:<\/p>\n
Create a Plan of Action<\/h2>\n
If you want to crush your summer health goals, identify exactly what they are, write them down, and state how you plan to achieve them. As the popular saying goes, A goal without a plan is but a wish.<\/em><\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to have sub-goals for every large goal. These act as actual action steps you\u2019ll be taking to reach your major goal.<\/p>\n
You can make a vision board<\/a>, write down your plan, add images that reflect your summer health goals, and put the vision board somewhere you\u2019ll see it every day. The idea is to be clear about your summer objectives, whether it\u2019s about traveling, losing weight, clearing up your skin, spending more time with the kids, or boosting your financial health. Write down how you intend to achieve each goal, whether it\u2019s to start hiking with your sister every sunday, making an appointment with a nutritionist, or joining a runner\u2019s group.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, it would help to create a routine with baby steps that ultimately help you work towards your goals, since most goals cannot be achieved instantaneously. You need commitment and you must stay consistent to see results. But, of course, since life can throw curve balls, your plans must be flexible. It\u2019s always good to have a plan B in case you suddenly decide to take your kids to the beach or make a last-minute trip to Disney. Having a backup plan can help you stick to a diet or exercise regimen even if you\u2019re not home.<\/p>\n
Anyone with summer health goals should keep the following general wellness tips in mind, as these habits can help you achieve holistic wellness that aligns your mind, body, and soul:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Establish a proper bedtime routine and regular sleep schedule<\/li>\n
- Keep healthy foods in your home, or meal prep<\/a> for the week<\/li>\n
- Throw out your junk food or donate it to the homeless<\/li>\n
- Aim for at least 5,000 \u2013 10,000 steps per day<\/li>\n
- Discover an outdoor activity you love, that gets your body moving<\/li>\n
- Set aside time for meditation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Summer can be very busy and chaotic, especially with all the extra social events, so having a plan ensures you don\u2019t put a damper on achieving your summer health goals. Building familiar routines could help propel you forward, while falling into summer without a plan<\/strong> reduces your odds of achieving those goals.<\/p>\n
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Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People<\/h2>\n
Spending time with people who live a healthy lifestyle could make all the difference this summer. The process toward reaching your summer health goals is a journey. Like any journey, it can feel lonely and painful when you do it all alone or with the wrong people, who don\u2019t share similar goals. That\u2019s why it is important to find individuals who support you, or like-minded friends who also care greatly about their health, and could help keep you on track. Summer is a great time to expand your horizons by trying new things such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Cycling<\/li>\n
- Kayaking<\/li>\n
- Playing basketball<\/li>\n
- Participating in outdoor tennis matches<\/li>\n
- Joining golf clubs<\/li>\n
- Hiking<\/li>\n
- Fishing with friends<\/li>\n
- Swimming<\/li>\n
- Stand-up paddle boarding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Make it a point to be around people who respect you enough to not sway you to eat unhealthy foods, drink excess alcohol, or do anything that could derail you from the path you have charted for yourself. Notably, if you need more support than you get from home, reach out to friends or even online health communities, where there already exists a camaraderie built on the same goals and the struggles that go into achieving them.<\/p>\n
Practice Earthing<\/h2>\n
During the colder winter months, most people tend to stay indoors. For some, this can be a cozy experience, but for others, the lack of fresh air and isolation in a single space can wreak havoc on mental and physical health, resulting in depression and anxiety. There\u2019s also the tendency to stagnate during colder months and not engage in as much physical activity, especially those outdoors, due to how harsh the weather could be.<\/p>\n
That said, one way to improve your overall health after seasons of no exercise, uncomfortable temperatures, and being locked indoors, is to practice earthing. Earthing, alternatively known as grounding, is the practice of walking barefoot on the earth to allow the earth\u2019s electrons to transfer to the human body. Studies indicate<\/a> that earthing has many benefits which could impact your overall health because it puts you in a better frame of mind. With a healthier disposition, you could achieve your summer health goals a lot faster.<\/p>\n
For example, walking is already a great exercise on its own, but walking barefoot outside gives you the added benefit of better sleep and reduced pain. Better sleep results in fewer stress levels, which lowers one\u2019s risks of developing cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders. Additionally, being in nature is a form of ecotherapy, which lessens stress and helps with anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n
Stay Hydrated and be Cognizant of Liquid Calories<\/h2>\n
People tend to stay out more on warm summer days, and it\u2019s important to drink more than the recommended 8 cups per day of water in summer, because you sweat more and move more.<\/p>\n
It helps to carry a water bottle wherever you go to prevent dehydration. This will help regulate your temperature so you can prevent the onset of heat exhaustion or heatstroke<\/a>. Water will also allow nutrients to continue to circulate throughout your body, helping you maintain a healthy metabolism to burn the energy needed in your summer activities. And if you intend to get glowing summer skin, drinking water helps keep your skin healthy.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re all much thirstier in the summer, but any of us with summer health goals need to be cognizant of what types of beverages we reach for in the summer. Be mindful of the sugar and calories in fruit juices, alcohol, and sodas. Aim to drink water instead, and if you want to make water more fun to drink this summer, try one of these natural and healthy ways to flavor your water<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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Get in the Habit of Swimming<\/h2>\n
Summer isn\u2019t complete without a swim! Temperatures spike in summer, so swimming is one of the best things for cooling off. Best of all, this fun activity gives you that welcome side effect of improving your health. If you live near a lake or a beach, take advantage of the great outdoors. If not, you can always swim at the nearest community pool or country club. Swimming is a wonderful workout that increases your heart rate without impact on the body, like running has on the knees. It also allows you to build endurance and muscle mass and is an overall body workout that works almost everything from the neck muscles down to the feet.<\/p>\n
Moreover, swimming is simply relaxing and can do wonders to lessen your stress levels. If you choose to swim on the beach, ocean water<\/a> nourishes the skin with minerals like magnesium and sodium. Magnesium helps you retain moisture in your skin while absorbing toxins and reducing inflammation often seen in acne, leaving the fresh more vibrant. This is a big win if you are looking to glow up your skin this summer. It also helps to swim in the morning sun for vitamin D absorption.<\/p>\n
Try Hiking or Trekking to Make Outdoor Cardio Fun<\/h2>\n
Hiking or trekking are great ways to crush your summer health goals while enjoying nature. Hiking is an especially great summer workout when done on challenging or steep terrain. Even beginner treks or hikes are just as great at building up your stamina, improving your blood circulation, helping you lose body fat, and strengthening your muscles. These activities also help build bone density, as they are weight-bearing exercises, which means your muscles and bones have to work much harder against the force of gravity.<\/p>\n
Physical activity releases endorphins, the happy hormones, and being in nature is great for your mental health as it eases your anxiety and stress. Research shows<\/a> that hiking or trekking is fantastic for mental wellness. These activities could improve your sleep quality, which results in numerous health benefits such as a lesser likelihood of developing heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and even strokes and aneurysms. Best of all, this is an outdoor activity you can easily do with family or friends. Hike in nature together, take plenty of photos at the top, and create lasting memories.<\/p>\n
Book Hotel Accommodations with Gyms or Close to Parks<\/h2>\n
Summer is a time for rest and vacations. However, for the lot, being in another city, state, or country, does not mean the end of their summer health goals. That said, one thing you could do to crush your summer health goals despite your travels would be to book hotel accommodations with a gym.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, if you go with an AirBNB, you could also stay near a park. Many city parks have a track for running, or some outdoor equipment stations for exercises. This will allow you to keep your momentum up whilst you\u2019re on vacation. It also helps to pack a few of your favorite healthy snacks and supplements when you travel this summer, along with your workout gear, so your ability to stay fit while you travel is facilitated.<\/p>\n
Take Preventative Health Measures This Summer<\/h2>\n
You can prevent sun damage, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses with preventative measures. Wear your sunblock every day, reapply it when necessary, and wear moisture-wicking materials and a hat if you\u2019re out in the heat. If you\u2019re serious about achieving all your summer health goals, these preventative measures are key.<\/p>\n
Sunblock is crucial even if it\u2019s a cloudy day, because harsh UV rays could penetrate the cloud barrier and cause damage such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Premature lines and wrinkles<\/li>\n
- Melasma<\/a><\/li>\n
- Increased risk of skin cancer<\/li>\n
- Prickly heat rash<\/li>\n
- Sunburn and sun damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the summer months, you have to be more vigilant about wearing sunblock to prevent skin damage. After all, it would be hard to move around when you\u2019re in pain. It\u2019s not enough to apply sunblock in the morning before you leave the house. You have to constantly reapply throughout the day, especially if you\u2019re out in the sun and sweating.<\/p>\n
It is also vital to wear moisture-wicking clothing when working out or engaging in outdoor activities. These materials promote airflow and prevent the formation of fungal infections in the skin, which occur in humid and damp environments. And if you\u2019re engaged in summer activities like biking, rollerblading, or skateboarding, wear appropriate gear like helmet, elbow\/knee pads, and wristguards to avoid joint injuries<\/a> or fractures. If you want to achieve your health goals, paying attention to these details can make a world of difference in your progress.<\/p>\n
Understand Your Body to Crush Summer Health Goals<\/h2>\n
There are plenty of ways that you can achieve your physical, mental, and overall health goals this summer.<\/p>\n