Long, sunny days are finally here, and it’s time to think about your summer plans. Whether traveling or planning an epic staycation, many people use summertime to focus on building and enjoying healthier habits. Longer days and warm weather tempt us outdoors, making summer the perfect time to get fit, eat better, and enjoy life. But summer health tips shouldn’t stress your wallet. So, let’s look at our top budget-friendly summer wellness tips.
1. Stay Hydrated
The heat of summer has most of us looking for ways to cool down. During high temperatures or extended periods of time outdoors, it’s important to drink lots of water. This is why staying hydrated is our number one summer health tip. Adequate hydration helps your body produce sweat which keeps you cool. If you enjoy fizzy drinks like sodas, cut carbs and costs by making your own flavorful thirst quencher.
Add a few slices of lemon, lime, ginger, cucumber, or a handful of berries to your water for a yummy and vitamin-packed healthy summer upgrade to tap water. Add a splash of sparkling seltzer water for the bubbles or run it through a blender. Not only will you satisfy your need for carbonation and cooling flavor, but you’ll also help keep yourself hydrated for mere pennies.
2. Snack Healthy
Summertime is a great time to focus on eating healthy because many fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods are in season and bursting with flavor. When heading to work or a day out, skip the chips and candy and pack snacks of healthy summer fruits and veggies instead.
Fresh plums, nuts, or seeds make easy, budget-friendly snacks that taste great and help keep you going between meals. You can also keep a veggie tray in the fridge and munch on celery, carrots, and sliced bell peppers when you get hungry. Try dipping veggies in a healthy dip like hummus or yogurt, and avoid dips high in calories, like ranch dressing.
3. Take a Hike
One of our favorite summer health tips is to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Getting out in nature is a great way to relax while still getting in your exercise. Try heading to the local park for a relaxing stroll in the evening or take a day trip to your nearest state park.
No matter how short your hike is, always pack enough water for the trip and bring snacks like trail mix to help keep your body fueled. For longer hikes, you may want to bring a change of socks or a light rain jacket in case the weather turns sour.
4. Plan Get Togethers
Summer is the perfect time to play. Whether you’re looking for inexpensive date ideas, spending time with loved ones, or making new friends, budget-friendly summer outings are ideal. Plan a day out with family and friends that includes a picnic and a softball or kickball tournament.
Go to the beach or a local park to fly a kite. Explore the sights, scents, and sounds at the local farmer’s market and pick up the ingredients for a healthy summer dinner. You can also meet up with friends for miniature golf and bring them home to enjoy a night on the patio while you fire up the grill in the backyard. (Check out our summer grilling safety tips.)
5. Greet the Sunrise
Making a point to get up early and watch the sunrise is an invigorating way to start your day. You can skip the hectic morning rush to get out the door and instead relax over a cup of tea or coffee. Not only will seeing the sunrise give you a beautiful view, but it can also help keep you cool.
Reschedule your afternoon workouts and move them outdoors in the early morning. Doing yoga stretches accompanied by morning birdsong beats the heat and fills your day with positive energy. Make it a habit, and this healthy summer tip can improve your morning routine year-round.
6. Turn Outings into Exercise
Some of the best summer health tips combine fun with activities, like surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, skating, and more. But you can get a great workout simply by visiting your favorite interesting places around town. Museums, parks, zoos, botanical gardens, and even shopping can get you walking much more than you normally would.
Many fun attractions offer free or discounted passes. And some public libraries offer free passes to premium attractions nearby. Plan a day out and pack a healthy lunch so you can cut costs and calories at the same time. Organize a scavenger hunt at a local park or a walking tour with friends where you focus on your city’s historic district. You’ll have fun while getting your steps in.
7. Protect Your Skin
A beach trip or day in the park is a great way to relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. But quality sunscreen is essential. Make sure you apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. Many budget-friendly sunscreens are available, formulated to provide the protection you need for your skin type.
Don’t forget your face and the tips of your ears when you’re applying sunscreen and be sure to use a lip balm with SPF to help protect your lips. And again, stay hydrated — this summer wellness tip is critical both for your skin and general health.
8. Get Some Sleep
The summer months give you long days to enjoy, but this doesn’t mean you need less sleep. In fact, with all the activities you’re doing, you might even need more sleep. Restful, restorative sleep is essential for your health all year round. Make sure you get to bed at a reasonable hour and stick to a schedule. Going to bed at the same time each night helps you get to sleep faster as your body begins to acclimate to bedtime.
If the summer heat makes sleep challenging, our budget-friendly home cooling tips might help. Leave the bedroom curtains or blinds pulled throughout the day. This keeps your bedroom cooler without running the air conditioning. Then, try taking a cool shower before bed. Finally, skip the jammies and slip between the sheets to sleep cool and soundly.
9. Declutter Your Home
Tame the chaos and clutter in your home and alleviate health-sapping stress. Spend a Saturday or a whole weekend decluttering your home. This summer health tip calms the anxiety caused by disarray and can add a nice, budget-friendly boost to your summer spending money.
Whether you have lots of clothes that you haven’t worn in a while or need to get rid of your kids’ outgrown toys, decluttering can leave your home feeling fresh, serene, and more spacious. Coordinate with your neighbors and plan a yard sale for the block. This way, you can spend time with your neighbors, clean up your home and trade the things you don’t use for cash. As a group, you can donate the unsold items to a local charity.
10. Relax and Enjoy the Season
One of the best parts of the summer months is the chance to get out and do lots of different activities. However, don’t forget to take time for yourself to relax. This crucial summer wellness tip is vital in any season. Relaxation provides critical benefits for heart health, reduces muscle tension, and is an essential mood elevator. It leads to improved brain function and memory and boosts your immune system. Take a trip to the beach or go camping to get away from everyday life and enjoy some downtime. Or, get in the hammock with a good book.
Enjoy the summer season and get the most out of it by following our budget-friendly healthy tips for summer. And take a moment to contact your friendly Wawanesa agent to verify that your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy is current. Knowing you have the proper coverage for the best price provides essential peace of mind.
Advertisement: Find answers to common questions in our blog. Click to explore more.