With the summer season fully upon us, there’s no better day than the present to pick up some tips on how to stay healthy, mentally, physically, and otherwise, so you can make the most of this beautiful and sunny time of year. If you want to learn more about how to incorporate some proven summer wellness techniques into your daily routine, read on to learn more.

1. STAY HYDRATED – When the number on the thermostat starts to skyrocket, it’s all the more crucial to drink enough water. To determine how much water you need in a day, your best bet is to find a hydration calculator online. Our favorite is from Camelbak. Dehydration in the summer heat can lead to dizziness, nausea, accelerated heartbeat, headaches, and more. After a long enough period of time, heat stroke can set in and you can end up with a life-threatening condition. By staying out of the sun during peak hours, and constantly drinking water throughout the day, you will ensure that all the major organs in your body are functioning appropriately so you can feel your best. If you hate the taste of plain water, try throwing in some berries, cucumbers, lemons or limes to spice it up and make it more fun! Another way to stay hydrated is by looking for electrolyte-rich beverages, like coconut water, which is all-natural and not filled with artificial sugars and other additives. Not all coconut waters are alike so education yourself on the brands that are raw and organic.

2. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN – Now that summer is in full swing, it may be tempting to bake under the sun and get a flattering summer glow. Unfortunately, we all know by now just how dangerous sunbathing really is. If you want to spend time outside while staying safe, make sure to purchase sunblock with UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of 30 – 50. Make sure to reapply on a regular basis, and look for a waterproof option if you’re planning to spend time at the pool or the beach. Along with wearing sunscreen, eating foods rich in antioxidants provides natural protection from sunburn. Try incorporating foods like blueberries, spinach, broccoli, black and green teas, strawberries, pecans and walnuts.

3. GET ACTIVE – Now that the days are filled with gorgeous, sunny weather, there’s never been a better time to get active. Whether you love to swim, hike, run, or ride your bike, there are limitless options when it comes to getting the heart rate up and breaking a healthy sweat. If you are planning to partake in a more strenuous activity, be mindful of the weather and make sure to stay hydrated. For a low-impact exercise that has both physical and emotional benefits, yoga is a great choice in all seasons. At the Urban Wellness Clinic, we offer specialized yoga therapy sessions that are designed to stretch and strengthen your muscles, while relaxing your mind all at once. Make sure to get active in the morning, when the temperatures are the coolest, to avoid severe dehydration and exhaustion. Between 10 AM to 3 PM the sun is at its strongest, so you would be better off working out in the early morning hours or in the late afternoon and early evening.

4. CLEAN UP YOUR DIET – With soaring temperatures and high humidity, it’s no surprise that many people seem to lose their appetites and prefer to graze on lighter foods. The summer season is an excellent time to create a healthy eating plan, since you will naturally find yourself craving water-based foods. Try incorporating plenty of lean proteins, all-natural smoothies and green juices into your daily diet so you can feel light on your feet in the summer heat. Stick to cool foods, like fresh watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc, and avoid foods like spicy, red meats, citrus fruits, hard cheeses, tomato sauces, and avoid excessive alcohol, salt, fried, and fermented foods since these can exacerbate symptoms of dehydration.

5. COMMUNE WITH NATURE – One of the best aspects of the summer season is the glorious weather. A fulfilling way to soak up the sun and appreciate your environment is by getting outside for the day. From spending a day at the beach, to going for a hike, or having a picnic, there are countless ways to relax outdoors and appreciate your surroundings. Whether you are the adventurous type or you prefer a more chill activity, there are tons of outdoor activities to choose from that will help you reconnect with nature and feel more at peace.

If you would like to learn more about how to stay safe and healthy in the summer heat, we would love to hear from you. Simply fill out this contact form and our health and wellness experts will help you find ways to feel more grounded, relaxed, and at peace. We look forward to hearing from you!