Feel Your Best this Summer: Developing Healthy Habits
- Latta Drug Co.
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Summer fun has begun! From vacations and outdoor gatherings to longer days and warmer temperatures, summer offers countless opportunities to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. While enjoying everything the season has to offer, it is also important to prioritize habits that help you feel your best and stay energized throughout the summer months.
Simple steps such as staying hydrated, protecting your skin, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining an active lifestyle can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Sun Safety Tips
There is nothing wrong with soaking up the sun during the summer. In fact, ultraviolet (UV) rays can help your body produce vitamin D naturally, which supports healthy bones and immune function. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays can be harmful and may lead to long-term health problems.
Spending too much time in the sun can cause sun damage, including painful sunburns, and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce your risk while still enjoying outdoor activities.
To protect yourself from excessive sun exposure:
Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are typically the strongest.
Wear clothing that covers exposed skin, such as long-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and follow the product instructions for proper application.
Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sunlight hours.¹
Broad-spectrum sunscreen can be one of your best defenses against harmful UV rays. To best protect yourself, make sure to apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, including your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips. If you are swimming, sweating, or spending extended periods outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours. Because no sunscreen is completely waterproof or capable of blocking all UV radiation, it should be used alongside other protective measures.
Protective clothing also plays an important role in sun safety. Long-sleeved shirts and pants provide an additional barrier between your skin and the sun's rays. Even a lightweight T-shirt or cover-up can offer some protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat helps shield your face, ears, and neck from direct sunlight, while polarized sunglasses can help protect your eyes and reduce glare. Taking these precautions can go a long way toward preventing sun-related damage and allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely.²
Healthy Summer Nutrition
Summer is an excellent time to focus on healthy eating and explore new ways to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet. With a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in season, it becomes easier to create balanced meals and healthy snacks that support overall wellness.
Many summer produce options are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Foods such as berries, watermelon, tomatoes, leafy greens, peaches, and cucumbers can help nourish your body while keeping you refreshed. These foods can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into salads, smoothies, wraps, and other healthy meals.
Healthy eating does not have to feel restrictive. In fact, summer provides the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and make nutritious meals enjoyable for everyone. Whether you are preparing food for your family or hosting friends, there are many ways to make healthy eating fun:
Try cooking a new healthy recipe with family or friends.
Create colorful salads using a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Experiment with seasonal ingredients you have never tried before.
Prepare healthy snacks ahead of time for outdoor activities and road trips.³
Hydration
Along with healthy eating, staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to support your health during the summer months. As temperatures rise and outdoor activity increases, your body loses fluids more quickly through sweat. If those fluids are not replaced, dehydration can occur.
Even mild dehydration may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and difficulty concentrating. More severe dehydration can create additional health concerns and may require medical attention.
Drinking enough water helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, maintains energy levels, and keeps your body functioning properly. Hydration is especially important for children, older adults, and individuals who spend extended periods outdoors.
Consider the following tips:
Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go.
Increase your water intake during outdoor activities and exercise.
Eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, berries, oranges, and cucumbers.
Monitor your thirst and drink water regularly throughout the day.
Limit excessive consumption of sugary beverages and caffeinated drinks that may contribute to dehydration.
Making hydration a priority can help you feel more energized, improve physical performance, and support your overall health throughout the summer.
Summer Exercise
One of the best ways to make the most of summer is to take advantage of the warm weather and spend more time being active outdoors. Regular physical activity supports heart health, strengthens muscles and bones, boosts mood, and helps maintain healthy energy levels.
Aim for at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day that elevates your heart rate. Even small amounts of daily movement can provide meaningful health benefits and contribute to improved overall fitness.
Summer offers countless opportunities to stay active while enjoying the outdoors. Some great ways to incorporate movement into your routine include:
Discovering or trying a new activity with a group.
Exploring nature through a walk, hike, or bike ride.
Playing outdoor games with family and friends.
Visiting local parks, trails, or community recreation areas.
Participating in outdoor fitness classes or sports leagues.²
The key is finding activities you genuinely enjoy. When exercise feels fun rather than like a chore, it becomes easier to stay consistent and maintain healthy habits throughout the season.
Healthy summer habits can help you feel your best while enjoying everything the season has to offer. By taking simple steps to protect your skin, stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods, and remain physically active, you can support both your short-term and long-term health.
Small daily choices often lead to meaningful results over time. Whether you are spending the day at the pool, exploring a hiking trail, attending a family barbecue, or simply enjoying the sunshine, prioritizing your health can help you make the most of every summer moment. With a little planning and consistency, you can enjoy a safer, more energized, and more fulfilling summer.
Sources:
Comments