Feeling good never goes out of style, which is why it’s never too late to add these three simple wellness hacks into your daily routine.
1) Never Leave the House without Hydration
Living in Florida during the Summer has taught me a lot about my wellness needs. I have learned that a quick convenience store run can easily turn into a 40-minute excursion with a little bit of sweat and heat exhaustion on the side. By the time I get home, I’m already thirsty; and by that time, it’s too late.
“If you’re thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated, and that can cause symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness, and more…” – Clevland Clinic
I can personally attest that staying on top of my water intake has helped me avoid summer headaches, achieve clearer skin, and feel much better overall.
Hydrate Better with Electrolytes
If you’re regularly exercising and doing #hotgirlwalks, it’s safe to say you’re sweating a ton this Summer. And, when it comes to hydration, drinking water alone is not enough. Because the more we sweat, the more our bodies simultaneously lose key nutrients like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and more.
The best way to combat this loss is by adding electrolytes into the mix to keep our blood and cells healthy and vibrant. My favorite way to get electrolytes is by drinking coconut water, but you can also purchase electrolytes from many different wellness brands. If you don’t have either, adding Himalayan salt to your water for an extra sodium boost is a great way to get started.
2) Join the #hotgirlwalk Club
Speaking of #hotgirlwalks, let’s talk about it because it’s really so much more than a trendy hashtag. If you’re like me and have struggled with finding a daily form of exercise that doesn’t leave you feeling depleted, look no further…
Latest research has shown that walking, compared to running, poses greater benefits for longevity, joint support, and hormone regulation (especially in women). And the sweet spot is said to be between 7-12k steps per day.
Ways I like to make this happen is by segmenting it throughout the day:
- First thing in the morning
- After meals
- In bulk late afternoon
- 5k before 10 am (fitness inspo & courtesy of @stephgeebeauty)
And because it’s Summer, I feel like I have been getting more bang for my buck with my daily 10k. By the end of the day, I always feel so much more alive, lighter, and healthier. And I definitely sleep better too!
Walks are the moments I love to catch up with a friend or family member over the phone, listen to a podcast episode I’ve been missing or zone out to one of my favorite albums while strolling in nature. (Humble brag, I am just about ready to duet with Seth Macfarlane on his latest Blue Skies album.)
If you struggle with making this a daily habit, I highly suggest reframing it as a fun activity.
3) Stock up on Vitamin D
Last but not least, experts say that the immune system you have during the Winter is built during the Summer. And if you’re like me and want to decrease your chances of falling prey to the flu (or any other viruses this winter), then stocking up on Vitamin D through sunlight is where it’s at. Vitamin D is the hormone that literally has a hand in regulating everything from immune cells to brain health, anti-aging, and more.
“Stocking up” during the Summer, as Dr. Holick recommends, is a major wellness hack because the Vitamin D hormone made in our bodies through sunlight brings far more benefits than its supplement counterpart. In fact, studies show that Vitamin D from the sun lasts 2-3 times longer than from a pill. This Vitamin D created by our bodies is stored up in our fat cells and hibernates (so to speak) all the way up until winter.
How to stock up safely:
- Arms and legs (at least) need to be exposed without sunscreen to get Vitamin D
- Don’t overdo it; check this chart here for your skin type and how long to tan
- Nourish your skin in between by using natural chemical-free lotions like my favorite here: Nourishing Cocoa Body Butter (paid link)
“Fall in love with the process of nourishing the best version of yourself.” – Dr. Will Cole
Are you into any of these wellness hacks? If so, share your experience, and let’s keep it going.
Cheers to a healthy girl summer!
Goldie W.
