5 Ways to De-Stress and Stay Fit in the Summer Sun
With the sun shining and temperature rising it's time to get outside and enjoy the summer fun. But gridlock, heatwaves, road rage and no shade can also cause summer stress. So how can you keep your body moving while appreciating the beauty of nature and relieving some tension? These five outdoor activities will shake up your fitness routine and help de-stress your life.
1. Hiking and Biking
Use the good weather to hike and bike nature trails. Make it even more rewarding by packing a picnic and enjoying a healthy lunch before heading back. If you don't have a nature trail a boardwalk would also do. Or bike or walk your basket to the park or the beach for the afternoon and enjoy your picnic there.
2. Outdoor Yoga
Yoga is an amazing way to relax your mind and ease your stress. Tension held in the body and negative emotions gripping the mind melt away with a good yoga session. And adding the sights, sounds and smells of the waves breaking on the sandy beach or birds chirping in the greenery of the park enhances the experience even more.
Deep breathing, energizing poses and slow stretching on a paddle board makes this yoga adventure even more intense. Balancing on a paddle board bobbing in the water requires your focus and channels your energy into the peaceful and relaxing moment. Namaste!
3. Easy Water Sports
With just a little bit of instruction you can begin canoeing or kayaking on calm waters this summer. You can also get the equipment, jump in and figure things out on your own if you're eager. Paddle boarding and hydro or water bikes are also loads of fun and quite easy-going. If you're looking for a bit of campy fun you can rent a swan boat and slowly cross a pond or two.
4. Advanced Water Sports
If you're a good swimmer and have the determination to learn, surfing and wind surfing are excellent activities. Take to the ocean with your board and ride the waves. The smell of the sea, wind in your hair and natural exhilaration will take your mind right off any outside worries.
5. Swimming
Any swimming, be it pool, lake, ocean or other, is an excellent workout and great de-stresser. Many liken the movement and submersion to meditation. But learning to swim like a mermaid is magical! Mermaid schools are popping up in cities all over the US. But if you can't find one near you search for some tutorials on YouTube and buy a highly rated mermaid fin online, or in store if you can find them.
Snorkeling is also a relaxing aquatic pastime. You can see the underwater sights while getting in a workout. SCUBA diving requires special skills training, but once you get certified you can go deep and explore the life and habitat of some pretty cool ecosystems.
Follow these summer fitness tips to keep your mind and body healthy all season long. Don't let frustration and stress build up and deprive you of the awesome experiences the summer brings. Use these sunny months to stay in shape, but remember to be safe.
Whatever activity you choose wear appropriate protective gear like helmets and life vests. In almost all water activities it's best to wear a life vest even if you can swim. And always wear one if you can't. No exceptions! Surfing and scuba is for experienced swimmers and life vests can't be warn.
No matter what you do outdoors always use 30+ SPF sunscreen even if it's not sunny. UV rays still hit the skin when it's cloudy, and even cold. 50-100+ SPF would be even better since most don't reapply every 2 hours or after getting wet like the label recommends.
So stay safe. Stay fit. And have fun!
1. Hiking and Biking
Use the good weather to hike and bike nature trails. Make it even more rewarding by packing a picnic and enjoying a healthy lunch before heading back. If you don't have a nature trail a boardwalk would also do. Or bike or walk your basket to the park or the beach for the afternoon and enjoy your picnic there.
2. Outdoor Yoga
Yoga is an amazing way to relax your mind and ease your stress. Tension held in the body and negative emotions gripping the mind melt away with a good yoga session. And adding the sights, sounds and smells of the waves breaking on the sandy beach or birds chirping in the greenery of the park enhances the experience even more.
Deep breathing, energizing poses and slow stretching on a paddle board makes this yoga adventure even more intense. Balancing on a paddle board bobbing in the water requires your focus and channels your energy into the peaceful and relaxing moment. Namaste!
3. Easy Water Sports
With just a little bit of instruction you can begin canoeing or kayaking on calm waters this summer. You can also get the equipment, jump in and figure things out on your own if you're eager. Paddle boarding and hydro or water bikes are also loads of fun and quite easy-going. If you're looking for a bit of campy fun you can rent a swan boat and slowly cross a pond or two.
4. Advanced Water Sports
If you're a good swimmer and have the determination to learn, surfing and wind surfing are excellent activities. Take to the ocean with your board and ride the waves. The smell of the sea, wind in your hair and natural exhilaration will take your mind right off any outside worries.
5. Swimming
Any swimming, be it pool, lake, ocean or other, is an excellent workout and great de-stresser. Many liken the movement and submersion to meditation. But learning to swim like a mermaid is magical! Mermaid schools are popping up in cities all over the US. But if you can't find one near you search for some tutorials on YouTube and buy a highly rated mermaid fin online, or in store if you can find them.
Snorkeling is also a relaxing aquatic pastime. You can see the underwater sights while getting in a workout. SCUBA diving requires special skills training, but once you get certified you can go deep and explore the life and habitat of some pretty cool ecosystems.
Follow these summer fitness tips to keep your mind and body healthy all season long. Don't let frustration and stress build up and deprive you of the awesome experiences the summer brings. Use these sunny months to stay in shape, but remember to be safe.
Whatever activity you choose wear appropriate protective gear like helmets and life vests. In almost all water activities it's best to wear a life vest even if you can swim. And always wear one if you can't. No exceptions! Surfing and scuba is for experienced swimmers and life vests can't be warn.
No matter what you do outdoors always use 30+ SPF sunscreen even if it's not sunny. UV rays still hit the skin when it's cloudy, and even cold. 50-100+ SPF would be even better since most don't reapply every 2 hours or after getting wet like the label recommends.
So stay safe. Stay fit. And have fun!
Originally Published by Blix Magazine
