How To Stay On Track With a Summer Routine

Summer is a time that so many of us look forward to, as it offers us opportunities to do things that are not always accessible during other parts of the year. School is out, trips are planned, and the sun is inviting us to spend as much time outside as possible! But amidst the fun, it’s easy to let healthy habits fall by the wayside. It can be so easy to lose the momentum that was created during the other months of the year, such as having a consistent bedtime, maintaining workout routines, and eating balanced meals.

Here are some practical tips to maintain a routine this summer, which can allow you to maintain a semblance of balance throughout the entire calendar year.

Prioritize Sleep

Summer nights can be magical, filled with crackling bonfires, dancing fireflies, and starlit skies. However, consistently getting enough sleep is crucial for your health and wellness. When we sleep, our body and organs go into a peaceful relaxed state, which allows our body to repair from the wear and tear that occurred throughout the day. In addition, when we sleep, our memories consolidate and anything we learned that day is processed and transferred from short-term to long-term memory.

Think of your body like a phone; it needs to be charged to function at its best.

A consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, ensures you wake up energized and ready to tackle any activity. Although it is tempting to stay up late since we get sunlight for a longer time in the summer, it is important to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep most nights. This will allow you to be an energetic and enthusiastic participant in all your summer adventures. Remember, a well-rested you is a happy you, and a happy you is prepared to take on the summer!

Craft Achievable Summer Goals

Many of us have made summer resolutions that fizzled out quickly. This year, ditch those vague wishes and develop S.M.A.R.T. goals to ensure your summer is filled with accomplishment. Below is an example of what a S.M.A.R.T. goal looks like:

• Specific: Instead of a general goal of “get in shape,” aim for something more concrete, such as increase running.
• Measurable: Track your progress to stay motivated. “Run 3 times a week for 20 minutes each” offers clarity and makes tracking progress a breeze.
• Attainable: Be honest with yourself. If you’re new to running, setting a goal of running 10 miles/day may not be realistic. Start with smaller, achievable goals and build your confidence and skills along the way.
• Relevant: Choose goals that excite you! Does weightlifting sound like a chore and expensive? Maybe running is more accessible because you have shoes and sidewalks or paths near your house to explore. Pick something you’ll enjoy doing, making you more likely to stick with it.
• Time-bound: Set deadlines to add a sense of urgency. Having a specific timeframe, like “keep this running routine up until the end of July and then consider increasing the running time!,” helps you stay focused and adds a celebratory element when you achieve your goal.

With a set of S.M.A.R.T. goals, you’re well on your way to a summer filled with accomplishment and unforgettable experiences.

Indulge Wisely: Treats Can Be Part of a Balanced Summer

Summer is synonymous with delicious treats – ice cream trucks, BBQs, and refreshing cocktails. However, indulging every day can leave you feeling sluggish and hinder your progress towards your goals. The key is moderation!

Plan your indulgences – perhaps it’s a cold beer on Fridays after work, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream after achieving a S.M.A.R.T. goal. The rest of the time, focus on healthy and refreshing summer foods like watermelon slices, chilled salads, non-alcoholic beverages, and homemade popsicles.

Conclusion: A Balanced Summer is an Unforgettable Summer

Taking care of yourself with sufficient sleep and healthy choices will grant you the energy to experience all that summer has to offer. Imagine achieving your S.M.A.R.T. goal and then rewarding yourself with a celebratory ice cream cone (because summer is for treats too!).

So try these things out and hopefully you will feel proud of your summer.

Here’s to a season filled with laughter, sunshine, and the joy of a balanced and unforgettable summer.