8 Healthy Ways to Support Your Summer Wellness

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, vacations, pool days, and a plethora of activities that bring us outdoors. Alongside these joys, however, the term “summer body” seems to pop up everywhere—on social media, in advertisements, and in conversations. This term, which becomes especially prominent as temperatures rise, has been popularized by media and social circles, often suggesting that only certain body types are worthy of being displayed in summer attire. It’s time to challenge and redefine what “summer body” really means. Every body is a summer body, and taking care of ourselves should be an inclusive, year-round endeavor.

The Problem with “Summer Bodies”

The idea of the “summer body” is deeply rooted in diet culture, which often targets people with its insidious messages. This culture promotes a narrow standard of beauty that equates how you look with your health and worth. To achieve this ideal, it pushes low-calorie diets, specific workout regimens, and an array of supplements. The underlying message is clear: your value is tied to your body size, and to be “ready” for summer, you must conform to these ideals.

This mindset is not only damaging but also encourages unsustainable and potentially harmful dieting practices. The pressure to quickly transform one’s body can lead to restrictive eating, disordered eating behaviors, and a cycle of guilt and shame. It’s crucial to recognize and reject these harmful messages, understanding that worth is not dictated by physical appearance.

Instead of focusing on how our bodies look, we need to shift to recognizing how our bodies feel and function in the summer. Let’s encourage acceptance and self-love, recognizing that health and happiness are not determined by size, and instead focus on ways to support our bodies this summer!

8 Healthy Ways to Support Your Summer Wellness

1. Load Up on Fruits and Vegetables

• Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. Many summer fruits and vegetables, like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries, have high water content, which helps keep you hydrated in the hot weather.
• Summer is also the peak season for many local farmers’ markets, meaning you can get more variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables like sweet potatoes and corn provide complex carbohydrates, which help sustain energy levels for busy summer days!
• Fruit can be great for easy snacks to have on hand for pool days or beach trips, or make fruit popsicles or smoothies to cool off on hot days!

2. Get Your Vitamin D from the Sun

• Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, and the sun is a natural source! Enjoy safe sun exposure by spending time outdoors, wearing sunscreen, and engaging in activities like walking, hiking, or swimming.

3. Stay Hydrated

• Hydration is particularly important during the warmer months. If you don’t love drinking plain water, try enhancing the flavor of your water with fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber or lemon, or try sparkling water to help you stay hydrated. Remember to bring a water bottle with you whenever you leave the house!

4. Move Your Body Most Days

• Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall well-being. Find outdoor activities you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, biking, swimming or playing a sport. The key is to choose exercises that make you feel good!

5. Wear Clothes That Feel Good

• Wearing well-fitting, comfortable clothes can significantly impact how you feel about your body. Ditch uncomfortable clothing and opt for pieces that make you feel confident and at ease. Keep cool in the summer with lightweight fabrics, and find clothing that fits your own style and comfort!

6. Focus on What Your Body Can Do

• Shift your perspective from how your body looks to what it can do. Appreciate your body’s capabilities, whether it’s walking, dancing, or simply carrying you through the day. Regularly remind yourself of the amazing things your body accomplishes!

7. Spend Time with Supportive People

• Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Avoid those who body shame or make you feel less than. Choose friends and loved ones who celebrate you for who you are.

8. Use Social Media Intentionally

• Social media can greatly influence body image. Unfollow accounts that negatively impact your self-esteem and instead follow those that promote a healthy relationship with your body. Fill your feed with positivity and encouragement!
• Check out the links below for Part 1 & 2 of Instagram Creator @breeelenehan’s post: The content you consume, consumes you… as she shares a compilation of creators that ditch the diet culture, and who strive to show real bodies and their acceptance of them!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4h8RrpB9dc/?igsh=OHFsbzR3M2RhdTFm

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3Ar-Nqhc9r/?igsh=MTMxdGF4bDI0OWo5Yw==

Let’s focus on sustainable wellness practices that nourish our bodies and minds all year round, promoting a healthier, more inclusive approach to self-care. Every body deserves to feel good in the summer, just as they do throughout the year.