Make the Most of Summer: Your Guide to Staying Active

Summer is a great time to get your body moving outside and soaking up the sun. With longer days comes hotter temperatures and often busier schedules. While it’s important to enjoy what summer has to offer, a few simple tips can help you stay healthy and energized all season long. 

Exercise and Activity 💪🏼

Summer is the perfect season to take your workout outdoors! Activities like hiking mountains, swimming laps, cycling around the city, or even serving up a game of pickle ball at your local community center can be great for not only boosting your heart health, but also improving your mood, and helping your body soak up some much-needed vitamin D. 

You can beat the heat by timing your workouts right. Try scheduling early morning sessions to start your day off refreshed, or evening workouts when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. Mix up your routine with cardio, strength training, and even stretches to help keep your body and joints happy. Remember, consistency over intensity. Even 20–30-minute sessions can make a big difference when including it daily into your weekly routine. 

If wildfire smoke or poor air quality rolls in, consider shifting your routine indoors. Home workouts, dancing in your living room, or visiting indoor facilities like pools, fitness classes, or community gyms are great ways to stay active while staying safe. 

Daily Movement Tips: 

• Start your day with motion: A 10-minute walk in the morning can boost your energy and set a positive tone for the day.
• Take movement breaks: Set a timer to stand, stretch, or walk every hour, especially if you work at a desk all day.
• Make it social: Invite a colleague for a lunch break walk or plan an active outing with friends or family.
• Use your commute: Park a little farther away or get off transit a stop early to sneak in some extra steps.
• Try something new: Explore a local trail, join a drop-in fitness class, or dust off your bike for a weekend ride. 

Hydration and Recovery 💧

Keeping your water bottle handy and staying hydrated is essential. Drink more water than you think you need, especially when you’re active in the summer sun. Hydrating fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries are also a great way of boosting your fluid intake! After any physical activity, listen to what your body is telling you – replenish your fluids and give yourself time to rest. 

Sleep and Injury Prevention 🩹

Long summer days can disrupt sleep routines, but getting enough rest is just as important as staying active! Try sticking to a regular bedtime routine and ditching screen time before bed so that you can get a proper night’s sleep. Injury prevention is another key part of summer wellness. Always warm up before and cool down after any physical activity and listen to your body. Taking rest days really helps your muscles recover and reduces the risk of injury. 

Your Summer Takeaways ☀️

Physical activity does more than just keep you fit; it’s also one of the most reliable ways to clear your head and boost your energy. Even a quick walk around the block or some simple stretches after a long day can change how you feel and brighten your mood. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s about moving around regularly, even if it’s in small ways. When you pair movement with staying hydrated, getting good sleep, and taking care of yourself, you’re not just getting through the day, you’re building real momentum to think more clearly, feel more energized, and show up stronger in every part of your life.