Summer is my all time favorite season! Everyday is a chance to get outside and soak up every inch of sunlight whether it’s bright and early or in the everlasting evenings.
WebMD gives numerous reasons why getting outside is so important. What better time to get outside than in the summer? Being outside helps the body receive ample amounts of vitamin D, which aids in strong bones, blood cells, and a stronger immune system.
Being outside is also proven to help reduce levels of anxiety that can often spike in the winter for most. With a long year behind us from a never ending quarantine, getting outside is also another great way to meet people and be more social.
Over the summers I manage a pool in a local neighborhood and seeing the kids get to come to the pool again and interact with one another has warmed my heart in so many ways.
Isolation has been hard on a lot of us, but this summer it’s time to get back outside making new connections and friendships.
With summer in full swing, getting the chance to be more active in ways you might not have gotten the chance to during the winter is here.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but exercise does not have to be boring, the gym, running, or repetitive motions you’ve learned to do because that is what is considered the norm. The summer is a perfect time to broaden your horizons.
Playing a sport like tennis, soccer, basketball, softball, football, etc are great ways to get outside and get in some great exercise. From going to the pool to swimming some laps or the beach and walking the boardwalk, it is all about having fun and staying active.
However with all this fun in the sun the most important thing to remember is skin protection.
“Sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or leathery skin), eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common of all cancers.” (fda.gov)
No matter what age, ethnicity, gender, or race you are, putting on sunscreen is vital for your health and wellbeing. Wearing sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher is very important to apply at least 20 minutes prior to being in the sun and again every two hours while in the sun.
Being a lifeguard leaves me at a high risk for sun exposure so I make sure I apply sunscreen before I go to work and every hour on break to make sure I stay protected.
Along with wearing light layers to avoid overheating, and some sort of protection from your eyes such as hats or sunglasses.
Staying safe and having fun will leave your summers full of adventure and skin that isn’t burnt!
Practice self care, wear that sunscreen and go outside.
