Summer wellness tips

Summer is in full swing, which means you may or may not be getting enough sleep or the right amount of nutrients your body needs to sustain you on all those summer activities. Adjusting to more sunlight and a summer schedule can be difficult but not impossible. Here are some tips to stay bright and energized this season!

Tip #1 - Hydrate

Hydration means more than drinking plain water. Adding electrolytes and water-rich foods into your diet can greatly impact your body's hydration needs. Water-rich foods are cucumbers, melons, bell peppers, fruits, celery and lettuce. Coconut water, the LMNT electrolytes or Trace Mineral brands are our favorite ways to get more electrolytes in.

Watermelon quencher:

-1/4 cup unsweetened yogurt or kefir (dairy or non-dairy)

-1.5 cups watermelon

-1/2 cup of coconut water

-squeeze of lime juice

-generous pinch of mineral rich sea salt

-1 tbps raw honey

Turn these into frozen pops by adding 2-3 tablespoons of gelatin and freezing.

Tip #2 - Move your body

Movement is a personal experience, varying greatly from one individual to another. It may take the form of practicing yoga outside, paddle boarding on a lake, or running on nature trails. The key is to engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy. Not only does this enhance your physical health, but it also nurtures your mind! Moving your body gets easier in the summer time thanks to warm weather and outdoor activities becoming more accessible. Whether you're a hiker, runner or swimmer, there's something out there for you.

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Tip #3 - eat the rainbow

Summer season is the perfect time to take advantage of the fresh fruits and veggies! Supporting your local farmers markets can introduce new produce and spark creative ways to use it. Our favorite ways to use an unfamiliar fruit or veggie is to add it into muffins or roasted for an easy and delicious side.

Tip #4 - sleep well

Getting enough sleep means more than going to bed early. The body's natural 24-hour cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, controls when you feel awake and when you feel sleepy. Essentially, it's your body's internal clock! This rhythm is affected by light and darkness, so exposure to sunlight in the morning and evening aids in melatonin production and deeper rest. Just 20 minutes outside in the morning and evening will get you the light exposure you need to support melatonin.

Don’t Forget to have fun

Summer is all about finding a deep rest and reset from the previous year. Participating in activities and going outside is a great way to renew motivation, bring balance and create lasting memories.