I say this all the time but the year flies by fast once we hit summer. This summer, we outside! I don’t know about you but I love doing more non-powerlifting activities in during this season so I can have as much fun in the sun as I can. Most people want to be outside by the beach, eating and enjoying life more. However, that does not mean that you can’t maintain your activity levels and your health in the summer. You can have the best of both worlds if you plan it right. Today, I’ll be sharing a few tips to keep you healthy and active during this season. Bookmark this post and share for some health inspiration!
Enrich Your Diet With Summer Fruits
Load up on water based fruits. Nothing tastes better than a piece of fruit in the heat. The best types are those filled with lots of water, vitamins and minerals. These include any type of berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries etc. Peaches, grapes, citrus fruits and melon are fruits that you should be enriching your diet with this summer. Not only will they keep you hydrated, but also are full of nutritional benefits that will keep your immune system top tier! Of course, we can’t forget the most iconic fruit of all: watermelon! When I was younger, I used to have them every weekend before I would go outside and play with my siblings!
Get Some Vitamin D
A clean nutritional boost is what the doctor ordered. Time to push those supplements back in the cupboard and get outside for some natural vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient that we eat and a hormone that the body produces. Once Spring hits until the end of September, make sure that you spend some time in the sun. Go to the beach, go on a walk, sit by the lake or do some water sport activities etc. Get outside at least once day because our bodies can create all that vitamin D goodness that we need from the sunlight. June to September has plenty of that so don’t miss out!
Stay Hydrated and Cool
A glass of water to start the day right. With the summer season, comes potential heatwaves. We have all experienced some sort of heatwave this year. The temperatures seem to be increasing each time. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and sip on water throughout the day. Reduce your alcohol intake to a minimum as it will dehydrate you and load up on water. Keep yourself cool by staying indoors (if possible) when the sun is at its peak (12pm to 4pm).
I learnt this trick when I moved to Switzerland: open all your windows from 6am to 12pm to let all the cool air in. From 12pm to 6pm, close all the windows to keep the hot air out and open them again in the evenings. This helps regulate the heat in your house/flat during the summer months.
Lastly, carry a portable fan with a humidifier with you. This has saved me for the last year whenever I travel abroad or go out to run errands.
Create An Outdoor Summer Workout Routine
Discover and try new things! This is the best time to try something new by creating an outdoor summer routine. Sometimes you don’t want to be cooped up in the gym, in the heat with everyone else. That is normal. If you are able to, take your training sessions outside. If not, go first thing in the morning. When this season comes, try a new sport or activity that will still get your heart pumping like swimming, play beach volleyball, play basketball, tennis, skating etc.
Stock Up On Shades
Sunglasses will save your eyes. This is an announcement, especially to my Black audience, because we are not great at this. Stock up on sunglasses and wear them whenever the sun is out. I never used to wear sunglasses unless I was on holiday. It wasn’t until recently, when a family member had an issue with their eyes, that I discovered that the skin around the eyes gets beaten up more due to the sun. The doctor informed her that it tends to be an issue with Black people because we don’t wear sunglasses as soon as the sun is out. Stock up on shades and let’s protect our eye health.
Book That Trip Sis!
If you have wanted to take a trip whether it’s international, domestic or visiting a nearby city, book that trip sis! I find that we tend to be more active when we travel (depending on the purpose of your trip). Use that opportunity to explore a new place by foot, go on a boat cruise or do a bike tour. Schedule a day or two to relax and release any stress.
There you have it! Six effective ways for you to stay active and health during the summer season. If you have any tips for others, drop them down below in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog to keep updated every time a new blog post is live.
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