Practicing self-care over summer break may seem like a piece of cake. As fun as it sounds to relax in the sun all day, it can be easy to get out of your routine with all the fun summer activities taking place. When gearing up for summer make sure that you do not lose sight of your long term goals, and maintain a balance between both work and fun. Below are some tips for summer self-care with a focus on personal wellness to keep you feeling your best all summer long!

Stay in touch with your loved ones

During the busy summer months it can seem difficult to stay in touch with your teammates, family, and friends. Make sure to take some time out of your day to make a quick call or text. You can even organize a virtual event to connect with those that may be farther away. Consider playing online board games as an easy and fun way to connect with people no matter where they are. They are fun, affordable (some are even free), and available in all skill levels so everyone can participate. Online board games can also help you maintain your competitive spirit while not on the ice.

Continue to exercise

The last thing you want is to lose any progress you have made by becoming lax with your workout routine over the summer. Stick to a strict exercise schedule in order to feel your best throughout the summer. You can try and change up your workout routine to incorporate more outdoor activities like swimming, biking, or beach volleyball to add some variety to your training.

Drink plenty of water

During the hot summer months, you may become dehydrated quicker than usual. It is important to drink the recommended daily amount of water per day. An adult male should drink about 3.7 liters whereas an adult female should drink 2.7 liters a day.  You should also plan on drinking more when you are exercising so that you are replenishing the water your body loses when you sweat. Additionally, a good water bottle can help with staying on track with your hydration. Consider a larger one so that you have to fill it less throughout the day.

Take a rest day

A rest day is where you avoid any structured activities to give your body and mind time to heal and relax. You still may want to opt for some lighter exercises such as taking a walk, hike or even some yoga. You can also choose to do nothing and just relax on the couch all day with your favorite snacks and a good movie. The most important thing is that you do what makes you happy and satisfied.

Limit sun exposure

Limiting sun exposure doesn’t necessarily mean staying inside all summer long. Spend as much time as possible outside, just make an effort to limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as you can. Always practice sun safety as a way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays when you have to be in the sun. Always wear sunscreen, even if you’re in the sun for a short period of time as this will protect your skin from long term sun damage.

Eat healthy

During the summer months you may feel tempted to eat a bit more on the unhealthy side. Eating healthy and sticking to a good diet doesn’t mean to deprive yourself of comfort foods. However, it is better to limit these foods and to take the time to cook your own meals and try to stick to simple and wholesome ingredients. When you choose your own ingredients and cook your own meals you have complete control of what is going into your body. A fun way to plan meals is to check out your local farmers market. This allows you to get some of the freshest ingredients available to you. Remember, we are what we eat and the better you eat the better you will feel.

Get enough sleep (But not too much)

An adult should sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. However, getting enough sleep may seem like a challenge when trying to balance your sleep schedule with all of the fun summer activities. It is important to keep a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible. Staying in a routine will help you make other healthy choices as well. Make sure that you do not sleep too much or too little as this is proven to have adverse effects on your health.

Finding the balance between personal wellness and self-care during the summer months is crucial to maintaining peak performance during the season. With the tips above, and a little restraint, you will have a safe and healthy summer. Your mind and body will thank you.