Summer Health 101

Reconnect with Nature

Still feeling a little blue from those long winter months when the sun set before you left the office? Now is the time to get outside and elevate your mood with some quality time in nature. Studies have shown that some of our stress may be the result of our separation from nature.

Eco-therapy can help alleviate the depression and anxiety that linger after a long winter cooped up indoors. Go for a hike with friends, canoe down a quiet river, or practice yoga in the quiet of your own backyard. Sunshine is the only natural source of vitamin D available, so soak it up while you can.

Don't Forget to Hydrate

Those sweat drops that gather on your collar as you walk should serve as a reminder that you need to replenish your fluids often, especially during the sweltering summer months. Clip a water bottle to your bicycle or bag and make sure you drink at least 8 glasses a day. If you're participating in a strenuous activity, consider alternating water with a sports drink that will replace the salts that sweat out of you as you exercise.

Buy Local, Eat Fresh

Summer is the best time to find the widest variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Find a local farmer's market and pick up a basket of organic and sustainably grown food. Cucumbers, avocadoes, and zucchinis are in season and make a healthy and delicious addition to salad and pasta dishes. Bonus tip: ride your bicycle to the market to help burn off that post-winter slump.

Protect Your Skin

The sun may feel good on your back as you lie on the beach, but it can be damaging to the delicate layers of skin. Always use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen, and make sure you apply it 20 minutes before you head outside. Check the Environmental Protection Agency's UV Ray Map to check the levels of exposure in your area.