Splash into Summer with 8 Healthy Habits

Summer is (finally!) here, and we’re determined to make the most of it. When you wait all year for this season of fun and sun, you deserve to feel awesome every single day. To help you squeeze all you can from summer, we’ve got eight healthy habits for optimal summer wellness.

Keep reading to learn more!

1. Stay hydrated.

When temperatures rise, your body keeps cool by sweating, so that means you need to drink more to stay hydrated. While the “eight cups a day” rule has largely been debunked, you want to drink water before you get too thirsty, which can be a sign of mild dehydration.

Choose water over other drinks – especially sugary or alcoholic ones. It’s OK to add a bit of flavor to your water to entice yourself to drink up. Try slices of cucumber or citrus fruit, fresh herbs or berries.

Tired of boring water? Stay hydrated with Fasting Today.

2. Eat with the seasons.

In most of the country, summer means fresh fruits and vegetables are in season – making them more accessible and affordable. They’re also tastier! Your body and mind will thank you for “eating the rainbow” each day. When you’re away from home or too busy to eat your usual nutrient-dense diet, you might not hit your fiber goals. Learn why so many people fall short – and the easiest ways to get a boost.

Did you know? While you can get most nutrients from food sources, it can be tricky to get enough omega-3 fatty acids through diet alone. The majority of adults fall short, affecting everything from their heart and vision to joints and even mood.* Thankfully, fish oil supplements like Aqua Biome™ can deliver optimal amounts.*

3. Know how to handle the heat.

Whether you’re lounging at the beach or heading out for a hike or bike ride, you’ve gotta take care of yourself when the weather gets hot. In addition to hydration and regularly applying sunscreen, make sure you’re taking breaks in the shade when you can. Wearing thin, breathable layers can help you stay cool, and wearing a hat and sunglasses can make you more comfortable. Taking a lukewarm or cool bath or shower (or a quick dip in a pool or lake) can also cool you down.

If you’re planning an active vacation, start your day early to beat the heat and don’t overdo it.

4. Get enough sleep.

Those longer, brighter days are awesome until you want to turn in early, but it’s still light out. And have you ever had that bright morning light wake you well before your alarm?

Sleeping in a dark room can ensure you get healthy rest (and adults need at least seven hours per night). Drawing the curtains and wearing a sleep mask can help you block out the summer sun until you’re ready to be up and at ‘em.

Speaking of healthy sleep: Find out how magnesium can help you get a good night’s rest (but only if it’s the right kind).*  

5. Stock your recovery toolkit.

There’s something about summer that motivates us to get moving and keep moving. Training for a fall race? Bike-commuting to work a few more days a week? Or maybe you’re ramping up your Pilates routine while the kids are on break?

If you’re going to put in the work — and chase those gains this summer – don’t forget about the importance of recovery. Level-up your post-workout plan with our favorite trio of products for an active lifestyle.* A drink mix with EAAs for muscle health, a feel-better-faster magnesium and enzymes for joint and muscle discomfort, discover our new the Recovery Stack Collection!*

6. Make the most of a staycation.

Dream vacation just not in the cards for you this year? You’re not alone. Instead of letting it bum you out, plan something fun close to home. Resist the urge to turn a week of PTO into a chance to clear your “honey do” list or do other work and focus on fun.

Do crafts with the kids. Spend a day at the lake. Pack a picnic and head to the park. Or if yours is a staycation for one, make the most of your solo time. Sleep in, cook a nice meal for yourself or go for a long walk while listening to an audiobook. Do allll the self-care stuff, from manicures to face masks. You don’t even have to put on “real” clothes if you don’t feel like it some days.

7. Stick with your routines.

Summer gets busy but make time for what matters – including those foundational habits that keep you feeling your best all year round. Too hot to cook? Make a big batch of food on a weekend morning or lean on salads with grilled protein – from chicken and salmon to tofu. Too sunny to work out? Start early or bring it indoors. You’ll feel better knowing you stuck with these habits!

Speaking of routines, taking a daily probiotic is one of the easiest self-care habits. Your microbiome is as unique as you are, so take care of it!

8. Practice food safety.

Food safety is important all the time, but especially in summer. Make sure that perishable food is left out for no more than two hours and don’t save any leftovers that have been sitting out in the sun. Never let food thaw on the countertop (use the fridge or microwave) and use a thermometer to ensure all that yummy grilled protein is cooked to the right temperature.

You want your backyard barbecue to be remembered for your delicious grilled steaks or watermelon salad – not that everyone ended up green in the gills!

When occasional gas, bloating and cramping strike, Activated Charcoal offer relief for upset stomachs and indigestion.*

Have a summer wellness tip you swear by? Share it with us on social – tag @enzymedica with your life hacks and digestive happiness tricks!