By Julia Nagel, Intern & Aspiring RDN
The summer season is upon us! For some, this is exciting! For others, this can be a challenging time with wellness culture and body image pressure everywhere you look. Regardless of your feelings toward summer, let’s do what we can to make it great!
Make a Summer Playlist
Set the mood! This is a great way to keep the vibes high day to day. From playing it at a pool party to listening while cleaning your room, a fun new playlist can elevate any occasion. We all can benefit from a little music in our lives… and probably more than you think! Research shows that listening to music can improve mood, sleep, mental alertness, and memory while decreasing anxiety and blood pressure! ¹
Make a Bucket List
Remember that coffee shop you’ve been wanting to try for months? That new store that opened around the corner? Have you been thinking about trying an art class? This bucket list doesn’t have to include anything crazy, like skydiving…unless you want it to. Having a physical list of things you want to do and places you want to go is a great way to translate ideas to reality! If you get bored, pull out the list to get an idea. Even better- share the list with your friends and family and see who wants to join you!
Upgrade Your Wardrobe
Real talk- our bodies change, and clothes aren’t met to fit the same forever. As we grow and evolve, so should our wardrobe! Keep in mind that clothing sizes vary from place to place. Buy what feels right on your body and is comfortable. Never be afraid to size up… belts exist for a reason.
Want guidance through a closet cleanout? Refer to our blog post to help you have an empowering wardrobe revamp!
Put a Stop to Chafing
It’s uncomfortable. It hurts. We don’t have time to be bothered by chafing this summer, but your body is not the problem. Luckily, there are things we can do to prevent chafing, while still embracing your thighs. If you are wearing a dress, skirt, or just want some comfy shorts to wear, consider wearing some breathable shorts, such as the Thigh Society Collection.
OR try out an anti-chafing stick or cream to apply. We recommend Mega Babe Thigh Rescue.
Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
Staying hydrated is crucial for regulating body temperature, preventing infections, delivering nutrients, supporting joints, and health of organs. ² However, sometimes reaching our daily hydration goals can be challenging. Hydration doesn’t have to be boring. If you aren’t a fan of drinking water by itself, try these easy ways to spice it up:
Add citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or oranges
Infuse your water overnight with strawberries, cucumber, and mint
Try sparkling water if you like fizz
Eat it! Fruits and vegetables have a very high water content
Add flavored electrolyte packets
Embrace Seasonal Produce
If you are a fruit fan, summer is your season. In-season produce will be at peak quality, making your meals even tastier. Now is a great time to pick up some produce and try a new recipe! BONUS- seasonal produce is usually more budget-friendly than out-of-season produce! ²
Fruits:
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Strawberries
Cherries
Mango’s
Peaches
Banana
Plums
Apricots
Blackberries
Raspberries
Limes
Lemons
Apples
Vegetables:
Beets
Carrots
Bell Peppers
Corn
Celery
Cucumber
Eggplant
Okra
Green Beans
Tomatoes
Zucchini
Summer Squash
Keep the Bugs Away
Evenings outdoors in the summer are fun… until the mosquitos start biting. Luckily, there are several ways to help keep the bugs away. Burn Citronella
Citronella is an essential oil that is great for deterring bugs. Citronella candles or torches are great to add to your outdoor area to keep the bugs away and add a nice ambiance!
Switch up the Outdoor Lighting
Bugs are attracted to cool-colored lighting that emits a shorter wavelength of light such as blue, purple, and ultraviolet. However, they do not like warm lighting that emits a longer wavelength. Swap your light bulbs with yellow-tinted or sodium vapor light bulbs to keep the bugs from joining your party! ³
Make Your Own Bug Spray
Simply combine in a spray Bottle:
1 cup water
1 cup witch hazel
1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
24 drops of essential oil (lavender, geranium, marigold, rosemary, and basil work best) ³
Protect your Skin
We all know by now that SPF is a summer essential. Make sure to stock up, and if you haven’t found one you like yet, try out a few sample sizes before purchasing a big bottle.
Personally, a holy grail product of mine after a day in the sun is Solar Recovery Save Your Skin Spray. It’s light, moisturizing, not sticky, and smells amazing.
If you do end up getting a sunburn, try freezing aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray for extra relief!
Sources:
Comments