iDEAL

As soon as summer arrives it usually feels like we can breathe again (except for those of you who love winter!). Summer, it’s all about fun, relaxation, holiday disconnection, ice cream, pool parties, and beach days. Life feels less chaotic in summer and even adults tend to adopt a “school's out” attitude. Unfortunately, in summer it’s easier to forget to look after ourselves with this much fun in the sun. So, today we’ve collected the best 8 tips to have a healthy happy summer, so keep reading to know more!

Drink up! Stay Hydrated

We all know that our bodies need water for everything. Drinking water is such an easy but crucial practice, yet it’s easily forgotten by so many when having fun. Drinking water and staying hydrated is even more important during the summer months when the temperature rises and we sweat more than usual.

So, make sure you’re drinking, at least, 2 liters of water a day to ensure that you stay well hydrated and to keep your body functioning properly. Also, make sure to drink plain water or sparkling water, but stay away from sodas or other sugar-laden drinks. They won’t help you at all to stay hydrated. On the contrary, these drinks will only lead to dehydration and lethargy. If you feel like you need a fancier drink than plain water you can get creative and make your own flavor water, with either plain or sparkly water and ingredients like lemons, mint, oranges, strawberries, cucumbers, etc. However, keep in mind that as appealing as it may be, extra cold water is not that great for our bodies so keep it cool.

Remember that if you’re outside too much especially when the temperatures are higher and you sweat a lot, it could be a good option to take an electrolyte supplementation to make sure you’re recovering the minerals you’re losing and that you’re not dehydrated.

Move it!

We know that with the heat, the socializing, and the long summer nights, it might be more difficult to move your body. But daily movement is a negotiable thing. Our bodies need to be moved on a daily basis and this can come in many different forms. It could be a long walk by the beach, a sweaty session at the gym, a morning yoga practice, or a run in the park. Whatever suits you the most, but daily movement of your muscles is essential.

Now that it’s summer, you can mix up your exercise routine every once in a while to make it more fun! For example, if you live near the beach, you could rent a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) board and give it a go, or you could go for an outdoor swim, play some beach volleyball with friends, etc. Basically, you can take advantage of the good weather and get your exercise done outdoors, as long as it’s not too hot, of course.

Eat mindfully

With all the food trucks placed in festivals or summer events, and the ‘dining out’ attitude we have during these months, the summer months come with an abundance of temptations. Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think to enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your nutritional needs on track. Being mindful about your food during the summer will help you stay healthy and balanced during this season.

Balance your plate, make sure you’re including all the nutrients you need such as healthy fats, protein, and the correct amount of carbs. Also, take advantage of seasonal products, they grow in this season for a reason, so use them in your flavour!

Another thing to keep in mind, with all the picnics or plans is to avoid skipping meals. This can lead to mental and physical fatigue and overeating as well. Aim for consistent meals throughout the day that will help you fuel your summer fun. If you need to eat lighter meals, your stomach takes longer to digest foods when the weather is hotter.

Bring healthy snacks

Before you leave the house, put a healthy snack in your bag. This way, you won’t spend extra money on the go and you’ll be keeping up with your health. Our Funky Fat Chocs are a great option. You can make protein balls or bars with chocolate in them for the perfect restorative on-the-go snack. Otherwise, pour it over your strawberries or on your ice cream cones.

Protect your skin

As you know, during the summer months is when our skin gets the most damage because of all the sun and all the sweat. It’s important to have a skincare routine that works for your skin type. Don’t forget to use a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF and a UVA wide spectrum. Also, it is very convenient to wear a hat or something that covers our face and chest area, which are the most sensitive parts of our skin. Don’t forget to apply the sunscreen all over your body, not just on your face, and, to moisturize your skin daily for glowy healthy skin.

Relax, take it easy

So, at this point, you’ve been working hard for a long time. Take a break, you deserve it. Take a few days off and relax. If possible, enjoy some me time and read and do all the things you usually don’t have time to do.

If you are going to travel, plan just the essential things and then let everything flow. You don’t need to plan every second, just focus on relaxing and enjoying every moment. Practicing mindfulness will help you a lot as well. This is your time and your moment, so relax and take a break from whatever is stressing you out.

Get enough sleep

Be sure you’re getting enough sleep, especially since you’re gonna be traveling and socializing. Also, keep in mind that the heat can make you pretty tired.

Good sleep is incredibly important. Poor sleep has negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance, brain, mood, emotions, and overall health. So if you want to enjoy your summertime, you better sleep properly!

Dare to explore new options

And last but not least, try something new. It’s never too late to do the things we want to do but we never dare to. It doesn’t even need to be a big thing, it can be to try a new restaurant, ice cream flavor, sport, or whatever. Just do it, dare to explore your options, and try something new. Maybe you discover new passions and life paths that you had never thought of.

8 Ways to Have a Healthy Happy Summer