Do These 6 Things to Have a Seriously Fun Summer

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Many moons ago, when I dropped my daughter off at the bus for sleepaway camp, visions of summer fun danced in my head. As a working single mom, I was excited to dive headfirst into all the things I never had time for — hiking with friends, beach days, picnics, that yoga class I always meant to take.

Let’s just say I blew it. The very next day, I took an outdoor yoga class. At noon. Under the hot sun. And I tried a pose I had never done before. (We will tally up all the mistakes I made shortly.)

Suddenly, a loud pop came from my leg. I assured the teacher I’d be fine and insisted on staying in the class. He looked at me as if I were insane. It turns out, he was right. I was insane. The next day, I could barely walk. My summer of freedom turned into my summer of nursing a torn hamstring. The good news is, I never made the same mistakes again.

Here are the six lessons I learned (and stick to!) to make the most out of the sunny months.

1. Hydrate! 

I have a tendency to wait until I’m thirsty to drink water. That’s a mistake, especially during summer months when just walking around the block (much less a noon yoga class) can cause you to overheat. Instead, keep a bottle of water handy and take sips throughout the day to maintain energy and prevent dehydration, which can lead to fainting and falls. I like to put either a slice of cucumber or lemon in my water bottle for an instant spa vibe. Speaking of drinking, overdoing it with alcohol can also increase the risk of overheating. Go easy!

2. Exercise caution

While it can be tempting to push yourself to do more than you’re used to during the warmer months, overdoing it can lead to injuries. It’s especially important to plan exercise in the early morning or late afternoon, rather than from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest. The goal is to avoid overheating, which can bring medical risks, especially as we get older or have high blood pressure. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and muscle cramps. I’m not saying you should become a couch potato, but try a sunset walk or even a stroll in an air-conditioned mall if there’s one near you.

3. Top it off

Wearing a hat in summer is more than a fashion statement. It’s crucial for protecting the skin on your face and neck from harmful UV rays and can reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Plus, keeping your head cool helps regulate your body temperature. Look for wide-brimmed models that will help shield your eyes from bright sunlight and glare.

Need more incentive? A hat can reduce UV damage to your hair, which can become dry or discolored from too much sun. While a visor or baseball cap is fine for shorter outings, they won’t protect your neck. For beach days, look for a wide-brimmed hat and if you plan to be any place windy, choose a model that ties under your chin. If you plan on hiking, look for a hat made of moisture-wicking fabric.

 4. Mind your screen time

Sunscreen is an absolute must to prevent sunburn, aging spots and skin cancer. For it to work, though, you have to apply it frequently, generously and preferably before you leave the house. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30. Apply an amount that would fill a shot glass to cover your body, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming. If you plan on swimming, look for water-resistant options and reapply after you get out of the water. Don’t forget your ears, neck, tops of feet and the backs of hands. (I’ve had burned toes. Trust me, you don’t want this.)

5. Feet first

I have trouble with my feet (bunions, neuromas) under the best of circumstances, and when they swell in summer, the last thing I want is tight shoes. While flip-flops may be tempting, they’re not great for avoiding slips and trips, especially as we get older. Look for shoes, including sandals, that are comfortable, supportive and have a good grip. A cushioned sole will absorb impact and help protect your joints, which is especially important if you have arthritis.

Adjustable straps can also help deal with swelling and ensure a secure fit. For those of us with bunions, look for light, stretchy fabric. For beach or pool days, opt for water-friendly, non-slip sandals that have a good grip and are made of quick-drying material like rubber. If you plan on going to dressier occasions, think wedges or a low chunky heel rather than spikes to avoid face-planting on a lawn or, worse yet, a sidewalk.

6. Have fun your way!

When everyone is posting pictures of their perfect summer outings, it can be easy to think the whole world is having more fun than you, especially if you are home with an injury or disability. Sometimes you have to accept that the best-laid plans can go awry and redefine fun. It’s okay to stay in on a hot day and binge-watch, have an extra scoop of ice cream or whatever floats your boat. What’s not healthy is isolation.

When I was home with a bum leg, having friends over for casual take-out dinners lifted my spirits. It wasn’t the summer picnic I had planned, but I ended up getting closer to my neighbors and new friends. By the time my daughter came home from camp, I was ready to give her the biggest hug. (She, by the way, had a fantastic summer!)

Now, quite a few years later, I know that summer fun means forgetting about “perfect” and giving yourself a break. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll avoid an actual break!

What's something fun YOU have planned this summer? Let us know in the comments below.