Have you been traveling? Are you sleep-deprived? Have you recently made a sudden change to your daily routine, such as starting a new job/internship or summer classes? All are common when it comes to summertime and can impact your physical health. It’s important to give yourself the rest and recovery time you deserve, but some intentional choices and purposeful activities can help you feel your best during this time and ready when school is back in session.
Set Up a Routine (And Stick to It!)
If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle over the summer, one of the best (and easiest!) things you can do is establish a daily routine. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; in fact, starting small can lead to more successful and lasting results!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day – this simple adjustment can help you get better sleep overall, wake up refreshed, and feel more awake during the daytime hours. An erratic sleep schedule can lead to a number of health issues and leave you feeling even more tired than you were before. Remember, a “bedtime” is just as important for adults too!
Get dressed. Even if it’s just changing from nighttime pajamas to daytime pajamas! Just like making your bed, the act of getting dressed helps signal to your brain that the day has begun.
Eat regular meals. While it can certainly be tempting and easy to snack throughout the day, eating regular, balanced meals will help you get more nutrients that your body needs (see “Balance Your Nutrition” below).
Drink enough water. Adequate water intake is especially important during the warmer months as it can ward off dehydration and brain fog and improve your mood. Bring a water bottle with you during your daily activities to remind yourself about the need to keep hydrated.
Balance Your Nutrition
Changes to your environment and routine over the summer can also mean changes to your diet. Maybe you’ve started a summer internship and are finding it hard to fit in regular meals. Just remember, it takes time to find a balance that’s going to leave you feeling your best. Remember to prioritize well-balanced meals to give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs, while also giving yourself grace to indulge every once and a while. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next well-balanced meal, check out this list of healthy summer recipes. You might even feel more motivated to incorporate more fresh foods into your diet after visiting a local farmer’s market.
Get Outside
A great, no-cost way to take care of your body is by getting outside for some daily sunlight. Sunlight can help your body maintain good levels of vitamin D, and fresh air can help improve your mood, strengthen your immune system, and maintain overall physical health. Go for a short walk, run around the block, or even sit on a park bench. All you need is 5 to 15 minutes. Read more about the health benefits of sunlight here. Think of your body like a plant with thoughts and feelings – you need sunlight just as much as any other living thing!
Stay Connected
Even though summertime is a much-needed change for many, it’s normal to feel nostalgic for your school community, environment, and routine. Finding ways to talk to your school friends regularly can help you to feel connected during your time away from school. Set up a group chat over text message, schedule a weekly video call to stay updated on each other's life, play online games, or even trade emails for longer life updates. If your friends live locally, plan to meet up for a day in a town you’ve never been to before! Little things - even for short periods of time – can help you to stay connected and ease the transition back to your school routine once the term starts again.
Tune Into Your Body!
Physical and mental wellness go hand-in-hand in helping your body be the best support for you. In fact, physical wellness can increase your overall mental well-being. Looking to get out of the summer heat? Many local gyms offer a student discount, so be sure to ask! If a gym isn’t accessible, there are plenty of at-home exercises that you can do to stay in shape and take care of yourself, like this at-home workout for beginner, intermediate, and advanced athletes. Wherever you are on your fitness journey, there is something for you! Remember, just getting outside for a walk can boost your mood and improve your fitness.
Thanks for the tips.