6 Healthy Summer Habits for Women

You guys! Today was the first day ALL YEAR that was warm, sunny and truly felt like we're moving out of the Winter/Spring gloominess. Summer is such a magical and nostalgic time. I have so many memories of the summer's of my youth, spending all day in the pool, and sleeping on the trampoline outside at night. Climbing onto the roof to stargaze with my friends, and going to festivals and concerts all season long.

I feel like summer is the best season for implementing healthy habits simply because the warm weather encourages us to get outside, which, in and of itself is a healthy habit. But the excessive heat, the large crowds, and harsh sun should serve as a reminder for us to really take our health seriously during this season. Not only our physical health, but our mental health as well.

So let's discuss the 6 healthy habits to implement during the coming summer months.

Hydrate

This one seems obvious but I actually think we underestimate just how much water we need every day. It's a lot. And in the summer, we have to be more diligent about making sure we're prioritizing our water intake. I do my best to ensure that I'm having several cups of water a day, and recently learned about the benefits of adding a little salt to your water to help your body absorb it more fully.

I know some people don't love the flavor of water, (something I'll never understand), so if you're one of those people, consider adding an electrolyte packet to your water in order to give it a little flavor and give yourself a boost of hydration!

Wear Sunscreen

I love the sun as much as the next person, but you won't see me outside without sunscreen. As a person of color, my skin has a tendency to suffer from hyperpigmentation, so sunscreen is essential.

My favorite brand is the Elta MD SPF 46. It's light, airy and doesn't leave a film on my skin after using it which is very important to me. I hate the feeling of thick, gloopy sunscreen on my face since I often layer my makeup on top of it.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Fruits

Summer is the best time to take advantage of all of the delicious fruits that finally come into season. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries; the opportunities are endless! Blueberry pies, strawberry shortcake and triple berry trifles are just a few of the sweet treats I can't wait to make.

Last summer I made this recipe from Half Baked Harvest and while it wasn't my favorite summer dessert, it was so much fun to make and really got me in the summer homemaking spirit. I even filmed it and had so much fun changing the up the type of content I was making. I feel so inspired to make similar videos this year.

Berries are also packed with nutrients that support healthy skin, healthy immune systems and a healthy menstrual cycle. Blackberries have been proven to be cancer fighting fruits and blueberries are packed with antioxidants.

They are definitely good for the body, and will also contribute to that sweet summer glow ✨.

Plan Activities

If you read my summer bucket list post, you know that I'm dedicated to making this summer feel like the summers I had as a kid. Which might be a tall order, but I'm committed to trying. And that means that we have to take over the role of parent in our own lives, and plan activities for ourselves.

I don't know about you, but every summer my mom had SO many activities and extra curricular activities lined up for my brother and I. Golf camp, speed reading day camp, Bible camp in the Santa Cruz mountains, dance classes at my local studio, and acting lessons through the city. She made sure our days were jam packed.

Now that I'm an adult, I realize that I have to plan these things for myself. No one is going to do it for me! Plan dinner parties with friends, a picnic with your mom, sign up for a pottery class, or join a sports team to play after work!

Let's commit ourselves to having an active, enriching and fun summer season.

Daily Outdoor Movement

Since the weather has warmed up, I am looking to take my exercise routine outdoors. It's so much fun to do at home workouts in fresh air with the warmth of the sun beaming down. Or to go for hikes in the woods with only the tree coverage there to cool you off.

This Winter was rough in California. It felt like the rain would never end. And now, June gloom has fully set in. But every month, I hold out hope that we'll finally see a shift into warmer summer days with sunlight that lasts past 9 pm.

Go for a walk or a swim, take your laptop in your backyard and do a quick yoga sesh! You'll be glad you did.

Start the Day with Joyful Music

I have started doing this recently and it's made such a difference in my mood! Don't get me wrong, I love a good podcast, but honestly, summer feels like the time to blast your music with the windows rolled down letting the air blow through your hair.

My mother-in-law did a challenge for us last year, where she suggested that we all start the day by playing "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers for an entire week, to see how we felt. After just a few days, all of our spirits had lifted!

It's nice to watch youtube videos and listen to podcasters, but every now and again, it's fun to just blast your favorite songs and get that high school nostalgia going.

My current faves are:

• Summer in the Hamptons - The Jonas Brothers

• That's Where I Am - Maggie Rogers

• Yosemite - Half Alive

• Nonsense - Sabrina Carpenter

• Outside - Tank and the Bangas

That's it friends! I hope you enjoyed this post and are as excited as I am to get summer started! Stay well.

xo, F.