With final exams in high gear and the world slowly getting back to normal, I can’t help but think of summer. I’ve never been much of a planner, but in order to successfully procrastinate the thousands of things I need to get done, I wrote out a list of goals and things I want to see and do this summer.
I’ve come to find that planning ahead of time is actually more fun and productive because you have something to look forward to, and you get to hold yourself accountable for actually accomplishing those things. So, I’m going to help you do the same. Here are three easy ways you can look and feel your best this summer.
1. Drink 64 ounces of water every day
Water is the most vital thing that every living being needs; so why is it so hard to drink it? It’s the one thing everyone knows they need to do, but proceed to not do it. What people don’t realize is that water has so many health benefits such as flushing waste from your body, regulating your body temperature, maximizing physical performance, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption, losing weight, boosting energy and mood, and so much more. I found my way to fitness and wellness Tik Tok, and the person in the video said that if you see someone who is well-rested and has glowing skin, you can bet they are drinking a gallon of water every day.
Now, before you say a gallon is a lot, the correct amount of water intake is subjective – it depends on your body weight and how much you exercise. Since I am not as active as I used to be, I am going to start off by drinking 64 ounces of water every day. One of the easiest ways to hold yourself accountable for this is to get a 64-ounce motivational water bottle. The bottle’s inspirational quotes start at 7 a.m. and run until 9 p.m. to ensure you drink the right amount of water every day. These water bottles are only $20 on Amazon, and the benefits most definitely outweigh the cost.
2. Walk more
Walking, in my opinion, is something we often take for granted. We can easily do it for exercise, as a nature fix, or for a socially distanced hangout with friends and family. Not to mention, a walk will make your dog happy, too. It’s one of the most underrated forms of exercise because it is low-impact, requires little to no equipment, can be done at any time of the day, and can be performed anywhere at your own pace. Walking increases heart and lung fitness, improves blood pressure and cholesterol, creates stronger bones and balance, increases muscle strength and endurance, and so much more.
Not convinced yet? Some easy ways you can incorporate walking into your daily routine is by taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, getting off public transportation one stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, walking to local shops and stores instead of driving, or walking your (or a neighbor’s) dog. Now, get out there!
3. Try something new
Summer is the perfect time to switch up your routine and try something new. Think about it – almost your whole days and weeks are free of commitment, and you don’t have any assignments or obligations getting in the way. One thing I’ve been meaning to try is boxing, so I am going to sign up for classes three days a week. If I don’t like it, then I will try something else. If I’m not good at it, who cares! Our society needs to remove the stigma of doing something just because you’re good at it, anyway. Some other things you can try are yoga, cooking, reading, surfing, writing in a journal, skydiving, hiking, fishing, or really anything you think you’d enjoy. There are no limits to your potential, so you might as well do what makes you happy and feel whole.
Another thing you could do is go somewhere new. This may be a little hard considering we are still in a pandemic; however, you can easily go to a different beach than you normally would, go to a museum or immersive experience that you’ve never been to, road trip to a different city or state, or go to a park you’ve never been to. Finding ways to give yourself different experiences creates a life full of adventure.
There you have it – three easy ways you can look and feel your best this summer. If you’re like me, taking the summer months as time to grow and heal without too much outside stress makes me feel whole, and more than ready for the next academic year. Writing down these three things, plus anything else you’d like to accomplish this summer can help you look forward to what’s ahead, as well as keep your focus on being the best version of yourself.
This blog post was written by Olivia Mianulli, Director of Diversity and Inclusion.