The semester is already coming to an end in just less than one month, which means summer is around the corner. It’s the time to finally take a deep breath and reward yourself for completing another semester of work, exams, papers, and homework.
Even though summer is the time to unwind, it is always difficult to transition from school to summer, or vice versa. This got us thinking about some ways we can make the transition to both that much more easy and enjoyable. Summer is the time to have your fun, but we want to give some tips on how to maintain a healthy body and mind even during vacation time.
We looked over the web to find helpful tips and found some insightful information on how to live a healthy life this upcoming summer.
- Always apply sunscreen
This is as simple as it gets. Apply sunscreen to your skin if you are planning on being out in the sun this summer. There is no excuse to not protect the skin you were given so do it a favor and prevent any sort of skin damage you can get from being outside!
- Drink plenty of water
This is just as imperative as the first tip. It is always a good idea to give your body the right amount of water regardless of the season, but when the warmer months are here it is essential for your health to be getting the right amount of water intake.
- Exfoliate
Yes, this may seem as an odd tip, but it can actually do wonders for your body. Summer time is the biggest season for dead skin cells so in order to maintain a healthy glow make sure to find an exfoliator you like and get to scrubbing!
- Keep up the exercise regimen
Summer is the time for relaxation, but make sure not to forget to maintain somewhat of a good amount of physical activity. For those of you who enjoy your fitness somewhere outside, make the switch to an indoor gym or anywhere that can provide you with air conditioning to keep you out of the summer heat. By keeping your physical activity up during the summer, your transition back into school will be that much easier.
- Go swimming
Did you know that a 30-minute session of swimming laps can burn over 400 calories? Not only does it burn calories, but also you get the relief of the cool water and finally get to enjoy a workout! It is a mindless way to get your cardio in, so go splash around!
- Olive oil
Not only is olive oil amazing for cooking, it is also amazing for your body! Olive oil can help protect your skin against harmful UV rays from the sun with the fatty acids it contains. Just one tablespoon a day is all you need!
- Protect your hair
While your skin can get damage from the sun, so can your hair. Also, the chlorine in the pools you swim in is very damaging for your hair. To help your hair maintain its healthy state stay away from any form of heat. This means to take a step back from blow dryers, straighteners, etc.
- Come up with a new hobby
Since it is your vacation and you have all of this free time on your hands, come up with a new hobby that can benefit your body and mind. Whether it’s taking up tennis lessons or taking an art class, take advantage of all of the possible opportunities you finally have the time to make!
What are some of the ways you plan on maintaining a healthy lifestyle this summer? Let us know!
-Addison, Sloane, & Pauline
Sources: http://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/2013071013416/10-tips-for-healthy-summer/
IMC Hawks Blog 
I love your tips about staying healthy over the summer. Often times, it is easy to become lazy and to unwind almost too much. I think your advise on staying healthy is great. I also had no idea olive oil would be good for your skin. I am going to have to try that.
I really appreciate these tips. I have been very active and trying to lose weight this year and making sure I’m being healthy and safe throughout the summer is very important as well. I haven’t heard of putting olive oil on my skin but I will defiantly be trying it. Thank you for the tips!
I love the tips about staying healthy! I feel like many people are very unhealthy over the summer and get lazy by getting caught up with having too much fun. I hope this summer I will pick up a new hobby and a goal is to make it healthy too!
I appreciate the tips. I have been meaning to take up swimming more actively was unaware that you burn so many calories doing it.
As for a new hobby, I think we become so comfortable in our routines that it becomes difficult to seek out a new hobby. I have personally been considering taking up hiking trails and coastal walks when I return home in Sydney. It seems a more fun way to motivate myself to exercise, seeing as the gym is a chore.
Thank you for the tips – always enjoy your posts.
I tell myself I need to do these things every summer, but somehow always find myself getting into the worst habits instead. I want to use this summer living in Wilmington working and taking classes as an opportunity to grow up a little but more as I enter my senior and start being a more health conscious person overall!