There are plenty of ways to stay cool this summer while still feeling "hot"... and it's all about adding splashes of color to your persona while staying healthy too. Here are some of my favorite tips that have gotten me through my summer so far..
1. ALWAYS have your nails freshly painted. Fingers and toes. Wearing sandals is a regular thing (and even if it's not.. you won't have time to prepare for the instant you decide to put a pair on!), and summer fashion usually means bold colors, and who doesn't feel great about themselves with a fresh mani pedi (and by that I mean totally just do it yourself to save the $$)! Also, no dull colors allowed. Brights, neons, and glitter too. If you are fortunate enough to gain some color in the summer (safely... if you have the melanin and tan naturally without trying... not harmfully by frying your skin and gaining a lobster complexion!) then bold colors will definitely pop against your skin tone and even make you look tanner. If your summer schedule allows extra free time, get creative. Search Pinterest for crazy ideas and get painting!
2. ALWAYS carry a water bottle with you. I'm not talking your plastic disposable bottles which are bad for the environment and also release toxins into your water when left in the heat.. but a nice, fun, BPA-free reusable bottle. Camelbaks make taking quick sips easy with a built in straw, and Tervis allows for plenty of customizable options. Stay hydrated all day to prevent dizzy spells and lightheadedness from the heat. If your water bottle holds approximately 25 ounces of water.. make it a goal each day to drink four of them. If you're not a big fan of water, try adding natural flavors like lemon juice, mint leaves, cucumbers or fruit which have antioxidants, flush out toxins, boost your metabolism and are low in calories.
3. ALWAYS get outside. Every day. If you work inside all day this is definitely a must... try to plan one activity outdoors each day, even if it's just an evening walk with your dog, a morning run, relaxing in the sun (with sunblock of course!), or sitting in the shade reading a book. Get your dose of vitamin D and also feel like you get a taste of summer every day so that you don't regret not taking advantage when it's over. If you like to stay active, start switching up your regular routine for outdoor activities and exercises instead such as swimming, hiking, kayaking, etc.
4. Commit to finishing one goal that is for pure enjoyment that has been on your to do list for months or even years. Read that novel that's been on your bookshelf forever, create the painting you've been envisioning to plant on a canvas, learn a new sport, go on a trip you've been wanting to make but never planned, or start that garden you've been wanting for about 10 summers now. Just make the time, and DO IT.
5. Bring healthy snacks with you everywhere. Make yourself a picnic every day.. whether it's during your usual commute to work, on an outdoor picnic you spontaneously planned, in between errands, or whenever. Keep the food on you so you don't have to spend cash refueling when you're low. Pop a healthy food every 2-3 hours to stay energized and prevent hunger from being a distraction. Healthy snacks include cheese sticks, yogurt cups (natural with no added sugars please!), summery fruits, a bag of nuts, a non-perishable sandwich (something like your traditional PB&J.. with a spin of all natural peanut butter and real fruits!)
6. Two words: funky jewelry. Be daring and wear the earrings or necklace that you can't stop starting at on your jewelry rack but you never feel confident enough to wear. Don't have any.. go buy or make something!! Try to dress yourself up every day with a bit of jewelry that color coordinates or theme matches with your outfits. If you work outdoors or in the field, wear studs and durable chained necklaces that won't catch on the wilderness and break.
7. Smear on a little color. Even if you never wear makeup, summer is the time to try fun bright shadows and bold lipsticks. If you are outdoors a lot, wear a moisturizer with an SPF on your face and neck to stay protected. Don't forget chapstick that has SPF as well.. your lips can get burnt too and it's not fun! Waterproof liners and mascaras are a necessity for water activities, and always remember to keep one feature neutral when the other is bold.... pick either lips or eyes and play them up. Even if you don't have to dress up for work, place a little powder just to feel a little prettier than usual.. it does wonders to lighten up your mood on a bad day.
8. SMOOTHIES! Get yourself a nice blender if you don't already have one (even a cheapo one that makes a single serving to go is perfect!) and make a healthy smoothie every day. At least one protein (yogurt, tofu, protein powder, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc.), one liquid (juice, soy/almond/coconut milk), a plethora of your favorite fruits and veggies and plenty of greens (kale and spinach turn the smoothie green but virtually have NO taste!).. and whallah! Eat one every day to substitute a snack or meal, and boost your energy and weight loss goals if you're trying (if not losing weight, pack in more protein to gain more muscle!) Smoothies are also a cold summer treat that will help cool you off.
9. Most importantly.. stay COOL! Go to the beach, swim in a lake, turn on the sprinkler and run through it, play a sport and incorporate water into it somehow, find a friend with a pool.. ANYTHING.. to get active and enjoy the outdoors but staying comfortable in the heat.
Remember some of these things along with anything else that just relaxes you and lightens your mood are perfect additions to your summer routine. Now go out and enjoy the sunshine.. and remember, no matter what you do, enjoy life and be yourself :)
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