Summer’s a good time to reset a few things. You don’t need to turn into a different person or suddenly run 5k before breakfast. It’s more about doing a few small things that make you feel better without stressing you out. Here are five ways to feel a bit healthier this summer without it becoming a full-on project.
Move more, but keep it simple
You don’t need a workout plan or a step tracker to get moving. Just find ways to be less still. Walk to the shop instead of driving. Stick a playlist on and dance while you clean. Swim if you’re near the sea or a pool. Or go outside and just walk. Ten minutes is better than nothing. The goal isn’t to become super fit overnight. It’s to feel like you’ve actually used your body a bit more than usual. And if you miss a day or two? Who cares? Start again when you can. There’s no deadline on this stuff.
Drink more water
Yes, it’s the oldest advice in the book. But it’s popular for a reason. It helps with your energy, your mood, your skin, and even your sleep. The hard part is remembering to do it. Fill up a big bottle in the morning and keep it near you. Add fruit or cucumber if that helps. Keep cold water in the fridge so you don’t reach for fizzy drinks out of habit. It’s a tiny change that actually makes a difference, especially when it’s hot out and you’re losing more water than usual.
Try one small change at a time
If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on cigarettes, now might be a good time. Longer days mean you’re less stuck in old routines, and it’s easier to distract yourself when cravings hit. Some people find a prefilled vape kit helps as a more manageable way to reduce their nicotine intake. You don’t have to quit everything in one go. Just take a step in the right direction and see how it feels. Same goes for caffeine or alcohol. If you’re drinking more than you’d like, try swapping a few drinks for something lighter, like soda with lime or iced tea. You don’t have to cut it all out. Just give your body a bit of a break.
Get outside more
Even a few minutes in the sun can lift your mood. You don’t need to go on a hike or plan a full day out. Sit in the garden. Walk to a local coffee shop. Read a book on the balcony. The sunshine gives you a natural boost of vitamin D, which can really help with your energy and mental health. If you’re inside most of the day, try stepping out first thing in the morning. It helps wake you up and resets your body clock a bit too.
Give yourself proper rest
Summer can be busy, but that doesn’t mean you should skip rest. And by rest, we don’t mean scrolling in bed for hours. Take time to actually switch off. That could be sitting outside with a cuppa, reading something easy, or going to bed earlier just once or twice a week. It’s easy to burn out when you’re trying to do everything. Slowing down now and then doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It means you’re paying attention to what your body needs.