7 Tips for a Healthy Summer

There’s a reason kids love summer – not just for the lack of school but for the warm weather that sends us outside on daily adventures. And while you may be having fun hiking, biking and gardening with the family this season, your body may not feel the same way. Make the most of the summer by keeping your physical health in check with these 7 tips!

1. Stay Hydrated

Chances are, you’ll be sweating a lot this summer. So, be sure to replace that lost water by upping your daily water intake – aim for half your body weight in ounces each day. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning properly from lubricating your joints and improving your muscle function to regulating your internal temperature and cleansing your body of toxins.

2. Catch Some Rays

Your body will appreciate the extra Vitamin D from the sun’s rays. Even 15-20 minutes of sunlight a day boosts your immune system, supports your bone health and improves your mood.

Skip the sunscreen and extra clothing if your goal is to produce vitamin D as it can hinder the sun’s interaction with your body. Always be sure to apply it after the 20-minute mark.

3. Get Moving

You don’t have to spend all your time in the gym to get active this summer. With countless trails, parks and other outdoor spaces in Bend, Oregon, you’ll have a ton of ways to stay fit, healthy and happy.

4. Watch Your Feet

Flip flops are classic summer footwear, but they may be hurting your body. Without proper foot support, you risk misalignments and pain in your legs and back. If you can’t help but sport a sandal, opt for something with a firm arch, nice traction and thick soles.

5. Eat Local

Find your local Farmer’s Market and try new, fresh fruits and vegetables this summer. Local harvest is typically grown in a more sustainable manner and picked when ripe, so it is bursting with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support your bones and other body systems.

6. Relax

Take some time to relax – it is summer after all. Relaxing doesn’t just mean binge-watching Netflix (even though sometimes it can); instead, treat yourself in ways that help your mind and body. Getting a therapeutic massage at Total Body Chiropractic & Massage is one way to physically relax your muscles, while reducing stress hormones that may be making you feel anxious and negatively impacting your health.

7. Stick to Your Chiropractic Schedule

Between vacations, entertaining the kids and working, it’s easy to fall out of your regular chiropractic routine – but don’t let that happen! While you may feel good for now, that’s just confirmation that your regular care is working. And with the extra activity you’ll be doing this summer, you’ll need the adjustments to keep your spine aligned and your body pain-free. Taking a summer vacation from chiropractic care will only cause more extensive work when you return.

As an adult, summer looks a little different now – but there’s still time for fun in the sun. Prioritizing your health can help you feel loose and comfortable all summer long. At Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, we believe in holistic healing from what you put in your body, your workstation set up, and how you choose to wind down at the end of the day. Our trained chiropractors can give you guidance on how to care for yourself when you’re not on the adjustment or massage table and make sure your body is set up for a carefree and active summer.