Healthy Summer Habits You Can Take With You All Year Long

Summer is almost here. While you might be planning for those late-night parties and fun in the sun, you should also look at ways to boost your health. There are plenty of summer habits that people forget about come fall and winter. By starting these now, and focusing on them throughout the year, you’ll find that your life is made better so you can enjoy a little more fun no matter what season it is. Here are some healthy summer habits you can do all year long.

Spend More Time Outside

Going outside is easy in the summer. It’s sunny, it’s warm, and there is a lot going on. Whether you’re looking for entertainment in Coachella or you just discovered Cathedral City or you’re looking for a game of golf, get outside this summer. Why does being outdoors help? First, it improves your vitamin D levels naturally. Second, it takes you out into the fresh air. And lastly, it helps you be more social.

While you probably have plenty of things to do at home, simply taking the dog for a walk instead of just letting it out in the backyard can help you meet the neighbors and make new friends. If you’re less of a social butterfly, these little interactions can be less intimidating than going to a big party to meet new people. If you can do this all year long, even when it’s cold outside, you’ll get a big boost to your health, especially during cold and flu season.

Mix Up Your Fitness Routine

Is your fitness routine getting boring? While you may still be getting the results you want, summer is a good time to mix things up. Work with a personal trainer to find other activities to add to the mix. Things like surfing, bike riding, and even hiking are great to do during the summer. While you may live somewhere that gets pretty cold or snowy come winter, these same principles apply. Try indoor cycling if it’s too hot or cold. Go for a swim in an indoor pool. Or try a climbing gym to help you get ready to climb mountains come summertime. Your fitness routine doesn’t need to be boring. If you need better results or you want a change, you can do it throughout the year.

Go For an Annual Checkup

Getting in to see your doctor is very important. Your health matters. Routine checks will look for things like cholesterol, blood sugar, and white blood cell counts. If you’re struggling with low energy or you find yourself wondering how your sexual health is, there is also no harm in going to your primary care doctor for help. If you want something a little more private, there are always test kits like a male at home STD test to try out. You could find out from the privacy of your home if you got exposed to anything recently. If something comes back positive, you can take the results to your doctor to receive treatment options.

Make Yourself a Priority

Making yourself a priority can mean many things. It can mean saying no to overtime at work. It can mean turning down some social invitations when you already feel overwhelmed. It can mean buying that thing you’ve been holding off on getting even though you have all the money. It can mean prioritizing relationships to ensure the people you surround yourself with will help lift you up. Making yourself a priority means telling your partner where you want to go for dinner or speaking up when you need to be heard. It means focusing on the hobbies you love even if it means you won’t get as much time doing something else. It might even mean hiring someone to cook or clean your house for you if you’re extra busy.

Get Therapy

Everyone needs therapy at some point in their lives. Whether you’ve just been feeling down, or you went through a major trauma, dealing with your emotions in healthy ways can help you live a more vibrant life. Why focus on therapy in the summer? Well, in the summer, you’re more likely to have an objective view of your emotions. It’s not near any holidays which can bring in extra layers of heartache if you’re missing someone you love, or your family environment is tense. A healthy summer means you have a healthy mindset and good mental health as well as your physical health. As you work through challenges in therapy, you can continue going even come fall and winter to ensure that your mental health stays a priority for you.

Drink Tons of Water, Then Drink More

When it’s hot outside, it’s easier to drink water. You might want it ice-cold to help you feel refreshed after a game of volleyball or going for a run. But the truth is, especially if your nights include a drink or two, it’s likely you need more water, and not just in the summer. You’re going to need to drink a lot of water. Start by weighing yourself. Then cut that number in half. Your bodyweight in ounces is how much water you should get in daily. So, a 200 lb. man should drink 100 ounces or so of water daily. Give or take.

If you’re active, you might need even more. You don’t want to get dehydrated at any time of the year, so start making it a habit to drink water all day. Then come fall and winter, you can keep that habit with you.

Plan at Least One Fun Getaway

While you probably love your town or the ones nearby, a short getaway can make your life feel extra special. Look for hidden gems, go somewhere you’ve never been, or return to your favorite spot. You can do a quick weekend trip or plan something for a week or more. Cruises are always fun, as well as going to the beach at a great resort. Planning a fun getaway doesn’t have to be a summer-only occurrence. You’ll enjoy your time all year long even if you plan little trips in the off months. A warm getaway can be the perfect reprieve in the cooler fall and winter months.