Stay Safe in the Sun for National First Day of Summer

June 20th marks the National First Day of Summer for 2020! Long days filled with sunshine, warmth, and outdoor fun are ahead. This is a great time to incorporate some movement into your day and embark on adventures, while still practicing social distancing.

Getting fresh air after months inside is something that we have all been looking forward to. However, there are risks associated with being outside for a long period of time, especially in more confined areas. There are certain safety tips that you can use to ensure that this summer is all about fun.

5 Tips for Staying Safe this Summer:

It goes without saying there are risks with being outdoors in the intense summer heat. Taking certain steps as an act of self-care will keep you safe as you enjoy the warm weather. Here are 5 tips to ensure you have a safe summer:

Wear sunscreen – The sun is bright and beautiful, but the UV rays can be damaging to your skin. Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen or higher each time you are out in the sun and reapply regularly.

Hydrate yourself – The heat from summer can dry you out quickly and leave you dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your body refreshed.

Stay cool – As the summer continues, there will likely be a heatwave or two. This occurs when there is abnormally intense heat that lasts for several days. If you are feeling too warm during these times or at any other point during the season, listen to your body, and seek a cooler environment.

Pay attention to signs of heat stress – If you are experiencing symptoms like muscle cramps, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, fainting, or a rapid pulse, you may be suffering from heat stress. Take some sips from a sports drink and get cool. If the symptoms persist, seek medical help.

Wear your mask in public – Even though all you want to do is enjoy being outside in the sun with your friends, a pandemic is still going on. If you are in an area where social distancing is not possible, wear your mask.

5 Delicious Summer Dishes:

One of my favorite parts about summer is the availability of so many delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. This makes for some great meals you can enjoy with your family. Here are some fan favorites:

Mixed Veggie Quiche is a great opportunity to include seasonal vegetables like zucchini or radishes.

Chicken Fajitas is a quick and easy dinner that can be easily shared with friends or family.

Tofu Veggie Burger is a great alternative to a traditional beef burger and is super tasty!

Stuffed Peppers allows you to get creative with what you add inside. Experiment with different veggies and flavors to find your favorite!

Shrimp Scampi is a delicious seafood dish you can enjoy on any warm summer evening.

If you are looking for more yummy recipes, check out Enjoying Food Peace: Recipes and Intuitive Eating Wisdom to Nourish Your Body and Mind (my most recent cookbook, which you can purchase here if you haven’t already)

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you celebrate the first day of summer? Let me know in the comments below!