As the days get longer, and we move into the next Vermont summer, it’s the perfect time to talk about ways to have fun and stay healthy while you enjoy this fantastic season.
In this post, we share our top 5 tips for having a fantastic summer filled with fun and relaxation while keeping your health on track.
Stay Hydrated
Try your best to get half your body weight in ounces per day of clean filtered water (ie. if you weigh 180 lbs – drink 90 oz of water per day)
Try this app for tracking how much water you are getting in a day – https://waterminder.com
Tip: Help yourself to stay hydrated with water infused with fresh mint or sliced organic cucumbers. Enjoy hydrating fruits like melons, apples, pears, and fresh raw veggies like cucumbers, fresh peppers, and sugar snap peas.
Protect Your Skin
Use the Environmental Working Group website for natural, less toxic sunscreen options
Let yourself have 10-30 minutes of time in the sun without sunscreen, to build your Vitamin D (try spending less time in the sun during peak sun hours of 12-2pm so the sun is less intense)
Taking supplements containing astaxanthin (salmon oil) can help to reduce sunburn.
Tip: If you know you will be out for several hours, be sure to bring a hat or other sun protective things to give your skin a break from intense direct sun for too long. Seek shade to take breaks as you need to.
Stay Active Outdoors
Exercising outdoors can be an awesome way to change your surroundings and lift your mood. Make it fun by walking the beach, playing an outdoor sport, or biking with friends. Breathe in some fresh air, breath out CO2 and get in some great vibes by earthing barefoot for 15-20 minutes a day.
Check this out for more info on Earthing: Earthing: The Movie
Tip: Stay safe and comfortable while exercising in the heat: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light colors reflect sunlight and can help keep you cooler than dark colors.
Enjoy Healthy Summer Foods
Summer is a great time to dial in your healthy eating habits since there are an abundance of fresh foods available and in season. Try to set aside a few hours 1 day per week to look at recipes and create simple meal plans so you can have amazing fresh meals ready to go when you are on the run during the week.
Check out this cookbook for some great ideas: The Organic Cook’s Bible.
Tip: Stay on track with all the summer gatherings, ice cream days, and celebrations – eat some healthy foods before you go to the parties so you can enjoy yourself but not overdo it. Bring some things to share that are on your list of “yes” foods so you can enjoy them too!
Prioritize Rest & Relaxation
Take time to unwind and recharge, get up early enough to stretch or take a walk outside before your day launches into being busy.
Plan some relaxing activities like picnics in the park, reading by the pool, and practicing qigong or yoga outdoors.
Check out some of the great outdoor music venues around Vermont – Outdoor-Concerts – Vermont.
Your Cedar Wood Natural Health Center team is hoping your summer will bring you simple joys that let you enjoy the beauty of the season. By staying hydrated, protecting your skin, staying active outdoors, enjoying healthy foods, and prioritizing rest and relaxation, make the most of your summer and create lasting memories with the people and places you love.
Here’s to a summer filled with ease, sunshine, laughter, and joy!
