After having Owen, my health became one of my top priorities! I dealt with a lot of weird postpartum health issues like adrenal fatigue, gut issues and general exhaustion and it was pretty miserable for a while. After Jack, I made sure to prioritize my health from the get go, and besides the expected sleep deprivation in those early days, this postpartum season was so much easier.
Now that the world is opening up more and more, I’m looking forward to this summer and all the adventures and great times we plan to have. Winter months can be harder for me to stay healthy because cold weather just makes me want to eat comforting foods, but summer there’s an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Getting outside each and every day is also easier because it’s beautiful, the plants are in bloom and the sunshine just gets me excited.
A few weeks ago, I was feeling pretty blah. We’d had two weeks of celebrating after my latest art collection launched and Rob accepted a new job. It was so much fun, but it took it’s toll. I was exhausted, not sleeping great and definitely drinking too much wine. Last week, I jumped back into my healthy habits and wow, it’s amazing how quickly your body responds when you start taking care of it and fueling it with the good stuff!
As we head into summer, I wanted to share a few more of my quick tips for staying healthy and happy all season long!
6 Summer Tips To Stay Healthy
Stay Hydrated
My number one tip for staying healthy in summer is to drink plenty of water! Thankfully this has been an easy one for me since we moved to Denver because it’s so dry here and I’m always so thirsty.
I am for 96oz. a day or more because I find that’s my sweet spot! Everyone is different though and you might need more or less. The easiest way to stay on track is to get a good reusable water bottle—this one is my favorite—and download a water tracking app. I use my FitBit app to keep track of mine. When I stay active, it’s easier for me to drink more water because it makes me more thirsty! Just another excuse to get outside and move!
Wear Sunscreen – Summer Tips To Stay Healthy
I’ve always known this is important, but it’s become a part of my daily routine lately because it’s literally sunny almost every day. That’s easily one of the best parts about living in Denver.
I apply sunscreen on my face every single day, and when we go out for walks, to the park or pool, I lather up with either one of my favorite sunscreens: Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen or Supergoop!’s Play sunscreen which is a clean chemical one. These range from 25-40 SPF which provides adequate protection for most people. If you have very fair skin, opt for SPF 100 which blocks at least 99 percent of rays. Wearing sunscreen daily is the easiest way to reduce the risk of skin cancer, burns and early aging.
I tend to switch back and forth because mineral sunscreen dries out my skin in the dry weather here. I do the same with Owen too! Make sure to wear sunglasses that block UV rays too—our eyes are super sensitive!
Move your Body Daily
Before our second was born, it was my goal to move my body every single day. I didn’t get it in everyday, but I was pretty proud of how often I moved. Not only is daily movement great for your physical health, it’s also amazing for your mental health. I always feel so rejuvenated and refreshed after a quick workout or walk.
This doesn’t mean you need to do an intense workout every single day, but just get up and move! Even walking can help get your heart rate up. Daily exercise can help lower your blood pressure because it makes your heart stronger. A healthy heart doesn’t have to work is hard, which is huge plus for your long term health. A healthy heart can reduce your chances of heart disease or stroke later in life. Plus, it feels good and also helps with my next tip.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is the best, isn’t it?! I know that when I don’t get enough, I don’t feel my best. Thankfully, when you’re regularly exercising, eating healthy and making time to destress, sleep naturally comes easier.
I do my best to avoid tech at night, keep the lights dim and get ready for bed earlier so I can start to unwind and calm down. If you need more sleep tips, check out this post.
Summer Tips To Stay Healthy – Eat Well
This probably goes without saying, but eating nutrient dense foods and avoiding processed stuff will make you feel a zillion times better! Summer is the perfect time to get into the habit of eating more fruits and vegetables because everything is in season and super fresh.
Foods with high water content are especially great if you live somewhere hot or dry! Things like cucumber, watermelon, celery, zucchini, strawberries to name a few!
That’s a big reason why I get my green smoothie in every morning. One of my favorites has celery and cucumber in addition to fruit. Get the free smoothie eBook here if you want some inspiration.
Make Time for You
This has been so much harder lately with Owen being home and now a newborn, but carving out a little bit of time for myself is key to my mental health. It’s so easy to put others first or focus on what else needs to be done, but slowing down and taking a moment to just be present is so important for our health!
These days, I’m counting small wins like a hot shower alone, a quick walk by myself, reading a book or calling up a friend to catch up!
Make Time for Fun
Lastly, but so important is to make time for fun. I know we’re all dealing with different situations this year and it’s been emotionally draining, but warm weather and sunshine make it the perfect time to get outside and try something new. But, making time for things we enjoy, having fun and laughing is so amazing for our health. It reduces stress and for me, reminds me that this is just a phase, not forever.
What are you doing to stay healthy and happy this summer?
BTW, Isle of Paradise tanning drops review, and 10 benefits of sunshine for your health.
