Who doesn’t love summer? The sunshine, beach trips, barbecues, and the general good vibes. Still, it’s easy to let our healthy habits slide amidst all the fun and frolic. Burgers replace salads, and sunbathing trumps gym time. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be this way! 

Summer is the perfect time to level up your wellness game. So, get ready because we’re about to dive into some super easy and achievable healthy habits you can incorporate into your routine this summer.

1. Prepare Healthy Meals in Advance

Picture this: You’re returning home from a day out in the sun, feeling fantastic and famished. The thought of working in the kitchen seems about as appealing as a snowstorm in July … and that takeout app on your phone looks especially appealing.

Alternatively, imagine this scenario if you’d spent a few hours of your weekend chopping, organizing, and preparing a refrigerator full of fresh ingredients that you can heat up or mix and cook to have a healthy meal ready to go. Seems a lot easier, right?

Healthy prepared meals can be a real game-changer, offering convenience, portion control, and balanced nutrition. Not only can they help keep your waistline in check, but they also save precious time. 

2. Get Outside and Get Moving

Summertime offers so many opportunities to replace your cold-weather activity go-tos like watching a movie with more active solutions. Rather than binge-watching a TV show, meet a friend at a public pool or swimming hole to catch up while swimming.

Instead of staying in, you can get your me-time by taking a hike or even just a long walk throughout your neighborhood now that the weather is warmer. If you want a group activity and to make some friends, look no further than an adult sports league. These leagues can be fun, active, and super social, too. Get outside as much as you can — you’ll feel better for it.

3. Take Your Workouts Outdoors

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to take your workouts outside. You can trade the stuffy gym for scenic parks, breezy beaches, or even your backyard. Many local parks offer outdoor workout equipment, or you could bring a set of dumbbells, resistance bands, or other portable equipment with you to get your workout in while appreciating the great outdoors.

Ever tried yoga on a sunrise-soaked beach or a high-intensity workout in a shaded park? The fresh air, the sun on your skin, and the beautiful sights are all part of a holistic wellness experience. Plus, there’s no membership required, and you get your daily dose of vitamin D. It’s a win-win.

4. Stay Hydrated and Fight the Heat

If there’s a season when hydration becomes a superpower, it’s definitely summer. Hydration goes beyond quenching your thirst. It’s crucial for maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Eight glasses of water daily can help keep your skin glowing and your energy levels high. 

This becomes especially important if you live somewhere that gets hot during the summer. Drinking water or sports drinks can help prevent dehydration and heat stroke. So if all of the health benefits of staying hydrated aren’t enough for you, it can also keep you safe and going during those long, hot days.

5. Center Meals Around Fresh, Seasonal Produce

Summertime ushers in a bounty of fresh and delicious produce. Colorful fruits and veggies are at their peak, offering an array of flavors and textures that can transform your meals. Not only are these foods super tasty, but they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. 

Make a trip to your local farmer’s market a weekly event. Pick up some ripe peaches for a sweet snack, grill some zucchini, or toss a vibrant salad. Trust us — your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.

6. Maintain Your Sleep Schedule

The longer daylight hours during summer can sometimes throw off our sleep patterns. But don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. It can boost your mood, enhance your memory, and even support your immune system. So, how do we ensure quality slumber? 

Keep your room cool, try to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, and consider a wind-down routine before bed. Maybe that’s reading a book, sipping some chamomile tea, or doing a short meditation. Before you know it, you’ll be on a one-way trip to dreamland.

Time for Summer!

So, there you have it: some simple yet effective habits to boost your health this summer. Remember, it’s all about balance and finding what works best for you. 

Whether opting for healthy prepared meals or shaking up your exercise routine, every small change can have a big impact. Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, fun, and fantastic health!