10 Summer Wellness Tips

Summer has hit its peak and I wanted to share some wellness tips that’ll help you get through the rest of the season mindfully and in a healthy manner! While summer is one of my favorite seasons, I believe there are important aspects to keep in mind in order to enjoy summer to its full potential. I have a lot to share so let’s just get into it!

 

1.) Eat In-Season Foods:

Something that I’m really passionate about is eating fresh foods the earth grows for us every season! While we all like to indulge every once in a while, I believe people should pay more attention to incorporating seasonal foods into their diet. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that most of the produce grown in summer has health benefits our body naturally needs during summer. In-season foods like celery, cucumber, zucchini and watermelon all have a high water content, which is perfect to give our body the extra boost of hydration that we need. Other foods such as tomatoes, peppers, cherries and strawberries all help fight against UV damage. It’s incredible that these foods are health and beauty tools, readily available at our fingertips, and accessible to all. It’s like mother nature is handing us the nutrition our body needs based on the area’s our body needs a little extra TLC per season. I’m not saying you have to eat this way all day every day, but choosing to incorporate these foods here and there can be so beneficial to your body and your mood.

2.) Stay Hydrated:

I know, I know, you’re probably sick of being told the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated and yada yada yada, but in summer, hydration is more important than ever. Not only does it boost your digestion, but it keeps your body from getting overheated and dehydrated. This is also exceedingly more important if you live somewhere with an extremely hot climate. Here in Arizona, I try to double my normal hydration intake. One of my favorite apps to help keep track is My Water. It keeps me motivated to keep drinking water/tea and also tells me how much water I need to drink to make up for an alcoholic drink/soda/coffee if I have one. I highly recommend this app. Try to keep in mind all of the other benefits that come from drinking water as well such as skin health and boosted energy. I personally love drinking water but I know it can be kind of daunting sometimes. One of my favorite switch-ups is making herbal teas iced. I love iced lemon ginger tea at this time of year, and fruit waters can also make it more bearable 🙂 Also recommend getting a cute cup! It’s just easier with one. Mine is the color changing one from Starbucks 🙂

3.) Eat Light:

Bouncing off of hydration benefitting digestion, eating light can also help your digestion at this time of year. One book that changed my life is Eat Pretty. It really is my number one recommendation for health all around. Author Jolene Hart calls it a “seasonal guide to looking and feeling your best all year, from the inside out”. In the book, she discusses why it’s important to eat healthy and explains from a scientific stance why we should value what we put into our body. She approaches health and beauty with both Eastern and Western medicinal standpoints and breaks down seasonal foods and their benefits all year round. Something that I learned from her is that our small intestine needs a little extra care in summer, and one way we can help it is by eating lighter. The last thing your body needs is to be overheated while trying to digest a hefty meal, and then getting even more overheated trying to do so. I’m not saying to not eat what you want, but you may already be craving lighter meals this season. If you are in the mood for something rich, just make the portion a little smaller and give your gut a break!

Here’s the book I’d recommend to everyone (affiliate): 

4.) Read More:

Chances are, even if you’re working all summer, you’re going to have a little more spare time this season. Whether it be on vacation, a long weekend, or at home after work, try to read! I always find it so difficult to read what I want at other times of the year, and while I want to make reading a habit all year round, I love to finish or start the books I haven’t had a chance to read prior. I find that I feel so much better taking a break from Netflix and reading something instead. Read something that intrigues you or makes you happy! Or read something that has information that you could really benefit from. Books and magazines are also a great thing to take to the beach! Depending on what you choose, reading can be so beneficial for the mind and soul. You might find yourself feeling more present and grounded 🙂 .

5.) Say No To Plans When You Need To:

Summer can be relaxing but it can also be a season filled with an abundance of plans. Having plans can be exciting and fun, but when you have multiple plans a week and you start to feel yourself getting overwhelmed or saying, “Ugh, I’m not even in the mood to go”, then don’t go! It can be difficult to say no to plans when you really care about seeing friends or family, especially at the last minute. However, it’s more important to prioritize self-care! End of summer for a lot of people means back to full-time school and work, and you’ll be kicking yourself wondering where any time for yourself went if you don’t take care of yourself first! Stay home, read, watch tv, or do nothing at all. Whatever it takes to rejuvenate yourself is what I would recommend. If people really care about you, they will understand. Your mental and physical health should always come first.

6.) Wake-Up Early:

Now this is only going to appeal to some of you, and if I’m honest waking up early is still a goal I’m working on myself. However, if you’re going to start doing it any time, summer is the best season to begin. Waking up earlier can be any time of morning earlier than usual for you. Personally, I’ve had a goal of being able to go to sleep at 9:30pm and waking up at 5:30 am. There’s a lot of benefits to starting your day this early, such as increased energy, a slow living morning where you can greet the day as you wish (no rushing!!), more gratitude and increased productivity. I’ve always liked the idea of being able to wake up slowly. A time where I can stretch, meditate, exercise, make breakfast, get ready, etc. without having a rushed schedule. If this all sounds appealing to you, learning to wakeup early may be very beneficial in your life! The reason I suggest summer is because the idea of waking up early and getting out of bed in the colder months can be very discouraging. Gray skies and cold weather are no mood to get you out of your cozy covers! If you’re going to start switching your routine, summer is the best place to start. Earlier sunrises and warmer weather will help this transition go smoothly, and might help benefit your mood about getting up so early at the start!

Here’s the video that inspired me:

 

7.) Wear Sunscreen:

Sun protection is so important all year round but be extra tedious with it this season. I know a lot of people don’t like to put sunscreen on daily because of the scent and white cast. I would recommend a daily moisturizer with SPF for the summer months instead. It’s both moisturizing and sun protection at the same time. You’re never too young to protect yourself from sun damage, whether it’s trying to prevent aging or more serious things like sunburn and skin care.   Currently I’m loving the Coola Silk SPF drops or the Drunk Elephant Sheer Umbra Tint for face, and clear hydro-boost SPF for the body. All have little to no scent and leave the skin looking great! The drops don’t disturb makeup either. 

Here are my current favorite body and face sunscreens for every day (affiliate):

(Affiliate):

8.) Prioritize Some Me-Time:

Take advantage of any free time this summer with some self-care. Every Sunday I’ve been trying to do as much self-care as possible. I love to have a relaxing night in, do a DIY spa night, get a massage, drink some tea and watch or read something positive. I previously mentioned making sure to take care of yourself first. That’s something we should do daily, but this is going the extra mile. Try to take at least one day a week where you carve out some me-time that’s a little more special and luxurious than standard self-care. Pamper yourself! You’ll thank me!

Here’s a couple of my favorite me-time videos:

9.) Keep An Attitude of Gratitude:

Summer can come with a lot of expectations. In this season we’re constantly surrounded by others’ beautiful vacations and plans, and even if we have been lucky enough to go on our own adventures, it can be hard to not compare. More than that, if you have no plans for summer, it can be difficult to not think the summer will be a dud. I really suggest trying to get grounded and be grateful every day. If your summer expectations are not met, seek out the beauty in the season and live presently instead. Be grateful for all that you have and all the fun summer can bring. There’s so much you can do like hang out with friends, go to a free museum, learn a new hobby, have game nights, and so much more! Life goes a lot more smoothly when you live mindfully 🙂

10.) Enjoy The Simple Pleasures of Summer:

Speaking of mindful living and fun things to do in summer, I think it is so important to recognize the advantages of summer! There are so many little things about summer to cherish that we often forget to revel in. I remember one summer I didn’t use my pool once! Not once! Then came October and I found myself thinking of how long it would be until it would be warm enough to use again. Between trips, plans, or feeling like we have nothing special to do, we forget to enjoy what’s at our fingertips. Use the pool! Wear your favorite sundress, just because! Buy those new sunglasses! Go to a barbecue! Bask in the sunshine, eat tropical fruits, make some popsicles! Take it all in and enjoy it, before a new season hits and we start all over again.

 

Enjoy the rest of this summer! I hope at least one of these tips inspired you!

With Love,

Jenna