How To Be Fit and Healthy During the Summer Season

Summer is finally just about here again. And I know that after the last year of lockdowns, many of us, myself included, are looking forward to some serious summer traveling!

During the summer months, sticking to a regular daily health routine can be a challenge. When we’re on vacation it’s nice to be extra indulgent with our food choices and maybe some extra drinking. Finding a gym or going out for a run is usually not at the top of our list, especially if it’s hot out. And long days and nights spent out and about or traveling can dwindle down our hours of sleep. Over time, all these changes can add up and start to take a toll on our physical and mental health.

So I’m posting some tips on staying fit and healthy during the summer season. That way we can all make the most out of our summer activities and vacations.

How To Be Fit And Healthy During The Summer Season

Travel

I know we get excited when we think about the destination of our vacation. But actually getting there can be stressful and exhausting. Whether you’re traveling by plane or car each comes with some difficulties. But here are some tips to help maintain your health either way.

Water

No one wants to deal with frequent bathroom stops while traveling. But making sure you stay well hydrated will help stave off feeling bloated (especially on a flight), overeating, dehydration and for some people headaches.

Healthy Snacks

Try and pack light health snacks for the trip or make food choices that aren’t super salty or carb-heavy. You’ll be thankful for that choice in the morning. Especially if you’ll be in a swimsuit the next day.

Jet Lag

If you’re traveling far enough that you are switching time zones, your body’s internal clock can be disrupted. This disruption can make it harder to manage your sleep patterns, body temperature, and hormones. Jet Lag is is worse when traveling west to east and tends to affect people more the older we get. Your body will eventually adjust to the new time zone on it’s own. But if you are on a short trip you may want to adapt more quickly. Here are a few things you can do to help you adjust quickly.

Update clocks and watches to the current time of your intended destination as soon as your flight departs. Eat your meals and go to bed according to the new time. if you continue to eat and sleep based on your usual time zone, your body will have a hard time adjusting. If you arrive at your destination during the day, avoid the urge to nap if you’re tired. This will make going to bed at a decent nighttime hour very difficult.

DIET

Food

I know when we’re on vacation we want to enjoy every minute of it. Even down to every last bite. But try not to let every meal of every day be an indulgence and you’ll most likely be happy for it later. Try and stick to your regular diet and eating schedule as much as you ca and you should be good.

Vitamins

Travel can take a toll on your immune system. Being in a plane with hundreds of other people breathing recirculated air is never a good thing. Plus visiting new people, climates, and environments can be taxing. Keeping up with your daily vitamins can help keep your immune system strong and fill in any gaps that might be missing from your diet.

Water

It’s a struggle to stay healthy if you’re not drinking enough water. Especially if you’re spending time outdoors in hot summer temperatures. Exercising outdoors, long days at the beach or pool, or even standing in line at amusement parks can all end with heat stroke if you’re not mindful.

FITNESS

Jump Rope And Resistance Bands

These are two items I always pack with me on my trips. Sticking to a gym routine can be pretty tough when traveling. Especially if your destination has no gym. Going outside for a run is one option usually available. But by making sure I always have my rope and bands with me, there’s no excuse to not get in a quick workout.

Walk

Whether it’s site seeing or going out to lunch or dinner, try and walk instead of drive. All the extra steps add up!

MENTAL HEALTH

Quiet time

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of our trips that we can neglect our mental health and not even realize it. Try and sneak in some quiet time every day. That could look like an extra-long shower, reading before bed, or enjoying your cup of coffee while journaling. I always bring my journal with me when traveling. It’s my number one way of clearing my mind unloading stress.

Sleep

With all the excitement of being in a new place, fun things to do, and people to see, sleep is often times the thing we compromise on. In general, it’s not a good idea. Without enough sleep our immune system is weaker we’ll have less energy overall and eventually it will catch up to us. I’m sad to say that I once had a trip to Amsterdam where over the course of seven days I had very little sleep. Our next destination was Paris for only 2 days. However by the time I arrived there I was so tired I was useless. I ended up sleeping through my only trip to Paris!

Relax

Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation right after taking a vacation? I have definitely felt that way. Especially after taking my kids on vacation. It’s a lot to manage. But kids or no kids, unless your trip was spent laying on a tropical beach or by a pool, chances are you stayed very busy with sightseeing and activities. And while fun, after days of all the activity it can be draining. As much as you’re able to, when you get back home, catch up on any missed sleep and spend a day or two relaxing before jumping back into your busy life schedule and hopefully planning your next getaway!

I hope ya’ll have some fun trips planned and everyone stays healthy this summer! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below!

Xx Monti