While many of us associate taking care of our physical health and immunity with the fall and winter months, it’s just as essential to keep it up during the summer. After all, germs and viruses don’t go away just because it’s warm outside. Thankfully, the idyllic weather of the warmer months lends itself to making it a little bit easier to stay in top physical shape and our immune system in peak function. Let’s look at the best ways to stay healthy during the summer – many of which easily carry through to cooler temperatures later in the year.
Get Outside
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you should take advantage of the warm weather and get outside! Participating in fun activities like swimming, lying by the pool or ocean, catching a tan, or even playing croquet is a great way to boost your Vitamin D levels. Studies have shown that people with low levels of Vitamin D have a more challenging time battling small viruses than people with optimum levels. Being outside in nature has also been shown to be great for your physical health and your emotional well-being. A simple walk outside in your backyard with bare feet in the grass is incredibly grounding and has health benefits, so ditch your flip-flops next time you walk to the hammock.
Eat Fresh & Local
With summertime comes an abundance of delicious fruits and veggies that are in season. Enjoy your local farmer’s market on the weekends and stock up on all the fresh produce to eat during the week. Eating a plant-based diet has been shown to have incredible health benefits, and it’s a much easier feat to eat this way when things are in season. Additionally, you could decide to grow your own garden full of your favorite fruits and vegetables – it doesn’t get any healthier than that. Eating a diet rich in the minerals and antioxidants in fresh produce is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy and immune system in fighting shape.
Supplement Your Healthy Lifestyle
With all the healthy eating you’ll be doing in the summer, you want to supplement your healthy lifestyle with things your body may be lacking. Routine blood work you likely get annually from your GP can tell you what you’re deficient in, so make sure you work with your doctor to know which supplements you’re taking. In addition to deficiencies, many natural supplements have been shown to boost immunity like Elderberry, Chaga, and Vitamin C. If you’re already taking regular prescriptions, make sure you double-check with your GP or pharmacists for any contraindications before adding new supplements to your routine.
Get Physical!
Summertime weather lends itself to all sorts of fun activities you can get involved in outdoors. But, even when the weather is rainy, it’s essential to get in your daily physical exercise. Being physically active is necessary to stay healthy in the short and long term. Not to mention, physical activity is excellent for your mental health as it releases many chemicals that boost your mood. If you have trouble staying motivated to exercise, find a friend or family member to do it with you, and you can hold each other accountable. The key to doing exercise as a regular habit is finding a form of exercise you enjoy, so you’ll look forward to it. If you don’t like high intensity, try yoga. Maybe yoga wasn’t a good fit; try running. Keep trying new things until you find one you love.
Get Enough Sleep
With all the vacations, dinners, and late nights that summer is renowned for, it’s easy to put your sleep schedule on the back burner. It’s best to avoid losing sleep whenever you can, as sleep is a significant factor in your overall health. Poor sleep can lead to a host of health issues and diseases, so make sure you’re going to bed at the same time each night (as often as possible). If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, Melatonin (which your body naturally produces) is an excellent supplement to start getting more profound, more restorative sleep.
So, there you have it! Staying healthy during the summer is easier as you’re not tempted by all the holiday baking and cold weather that keep you cooped up indoors. But, many of the above-mentioned tips can be used year-round to keep you feeling your best. Here’s to your health!
