Summer Ready
Content Courtesy of the Forever Young Podcast with Christiana Egi and Cherrie-Marie Chiu.
As summer approaches, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare ourselves for the season. Whether you are planning a vacation, or just looking forward to spending time outdoors, there are a few things that we can do to get summer ready! It is important to share some ideas with our listeners on how to get prepared for the most beautiful season of the year. Listen to the full podcast below:
The summer weather can be very soothing and it is definitely a mood booster for us living in Canada. We can be prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD - which is why it is vital that we take care of ourselves and practice self-care. You can include self-care in your routine by getting enough rest, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and spending lots of fun time with loved ones and friends.
First and foremost, it's very important to stay hydrated during the summer months. The hot weather can cause people to become dehydrated very quickly. This means by the time you start to feel thirsty, you are actually already dehydrated. Children, adults, and the elderly must remember to drink water especially as the weather gets warmer. Children and the elderly also tend to feel dehydrated faster so make sure your loved ones are staying healthy and hydrated.
Many people choose to carry a big bottle of water with them, much like many of our readers!
Christiana also discussed taking care of your skin in the summer season. We discussed protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It is best recommended to wear sunscreen with a high SPF, especially if you're going to spend time outdoors. And don't forget to reapply sunscreen every few hours. We should be doing this all year round, but most especially during the summertime to make sure your skin stays in its best health.
Staying active during this time of year is also so important. It's great to try different new activities like swimming, hiking, biking, or playing pickleball! Even walking outdoors can improve your mental health and ensure you are staying physically active. Whether you're going to the pool or beach, swimming is a really great way to cool off during the hot summer months.
Gardening is also a fun activity you can take on this season! It has been proven that gardening can help create focus, a sense of peace, and also a feeling of responsibility. You can start by buying a few plants and taking care of them. Gardening can be used as a great tool to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year round. It allows us to get out and to move which is great for your physical health!
Please do not forget how important it is to take care of your mental health during the summer months. If you don't want to pull weeds, please do not.
Summertime is also the best time to travel or take a short trip within the province. There is so much to see within Ontario - there are mountains, lakes, and even waterfalls to visit that are only a few hours away! Most recently everybody has been all about Prince Edward County. They are known for their wineries, and it is a really gorgeous area on Lake Ontario as well. You could also even try strawberry picking in the area!
Another thing that people can do is take in outdoor concerts and festivals, there are lots of festivals that happen in the city of Toronto and across the GTA. These are fun ways to enjoy the summer and make the most of your day!
Check your local event calendars, and community centers to explore what is happening in your area!
Another awesome idea is picnics and outdoor movies. Pack a basket of snacks and head to your local park or beach, and hang out with your friends and family or just enjoy our local parks and community centers. Check out different places that may be having outdoor movie screenings this summer, some people even do it in their own backyards. This can be a very fun way to enjoy the season and all the warmth it brings.
Don’t forget to prioritize your sleep. It is easy to sacrifice sleep when you are on vacation or simply just having fun right? Make sure you get the sleep that your body needs and aim for seven to eight hours each night. Don't try to disrupt your regular sleep schedule because it's important to your body and your mind. Sometimes vacation planning can be stressful, and planning smaller fun events may be more feasible for you. Whatever it may be, do take the time to wind down and relax.
In addition to sleep and rest, be mindful of your hygiene. Make sure that you properly wash your hands and sanitize when possible. Summertime is the time that brings an increased risk of infections and illnesses. Be mindful of staying home if you are feeling sick.
As we prepare for this beautiful season of the year, let's not forget to have fun when planning a trip, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Summer is a good time to relax and enjoy life. We hope you all have a super fun summer, and that you enjoy time with your family and friends. Don't forget to include your more seasoned friends and take good care of them. And keep well and stay hydrated. Have a fun and safe summer!
The Forever Young podcast was created and produced by Christiana Egi and Cherrie Marie Chiu. Produced and engineered by Elisse Hill. The podcast represents our opinions and those of our guests. The content should not be taken as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. If you like our show, please tell your friends and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. Have questions? Email us at ourforeveryoungpodcast@gmail.com.
