17 Healthy Summer Habits For Women
Want to kickstart some new healthy habits as the weather gets warmer? Here are seventeen healthy summer habits for women!
Hey there! I’m Chantal. I’m a mom, personal trainer, nutrition coach, and the owner of this little corner of the internet. It’s nice to “meet” you!
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love summertime. It’s partially because I live in the coastal Pacific Northwest, where sunshine is a rare commodity, but also because it means longer days, better weather for outdoor activities, and more variety in our daily activities.
However, when the kids are out of school and our schedule changes, it can be tricky to stay on track with healthy habits and keeping up with a healthy routine.
Luckily, summer is the perfect time to refresh your routine and embrace healthy habits that make you feel strong, energized, and confident. With longer days, warmer weather, and more seasonal produce, there are endless ways to move your body, nourish yourself, and soak up the sunshine.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, eat fresh, or simply prioritize your well-being, these 17 healthy summer habits will help you feel your best all season long.
Let’s get to it!
17 Healthy Summer Habits For Women
1. Stay Hydrated with Infused Water
Boost your water intake by adding fresh fruit, herbs, and even cucumber slices for a refreshing summer drink. (Here’s a delicious mango mocktail to test out if you’re into tropical flavors.) Or, if you want to hydrate more without having to drink water, check out these healthy hydrating snacks that are packed with water!
2. Prioritize Seasonal Fruits & Veggies
Take advantage of fresh, nutrient-packed produce like berries, watermelon, tomatoes, and leafy greens. They aren’t in season forever, so be sure to soak up the opportunity to get them now!
3. Get Outside for Your Workouts
Swap the gym for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, or beach workouts. (I am lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest near the coast, so outdoor workout opportunities are endless.) No matter where you live, take advantage of warm days to try something new!
Related Reading: 7 Healthy Hobby Ideas For A Happier Life
4. Protect Your Skin Daily
Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays. Or, if you’re like me and sunscreen makes you break out or you like to use it sparingly, get sunshine in short doses and work your way up to protect yourself.
5. Start Your Mornings with Movement
Go for a walk, stretch, or do a quick yoga session to energize your day. In the summertime, nothing feels better than a morning walk before it heats up. Starting your day with even fifteen minutes of movement will set the tone for your whole day!
You Might Also Like: Quick Morning Yoga Routine For Beginners
6. Eat Lighter, Nutrient-Dense Meals
The summertime is the perfect time to opt for fresh salads, smoothie bowls, and grilled lean proteins to keep meals light yet satisfying. Luckily, summer is also grilling season for most of us, so the chance to play around with grilled meats and veggies is perfect!
Here’s a delicious grilled vegetable marinade I can’t wait to make every year.
You Might Also Like: 17 Delicious Healthy Blackstone Griddle Recipes
7. Try a New Outdoor Hobby
I mentioned this briefly above, but summer is the perfect time to try new things, including outdoor hobbies. Take up gardening, biking, or kayaking to stay active and have fun. Or, if you’re more hardcore, you can try mountain biking, trail running, backpacking, or rock climbing!
Read this if you want to learn about why gardening can double as a workout!
8. Get Plenty of Rest
The summer hustle can be real, especially if you have kids or it changes your schedule. It can be especially draining if you’re staying up later, soaking up the sun, or spending more time outdoors in general. So make sure you’re still getting enough sleep to recharge.
9. Cut Back on Sugary Drinks
It can be tempting to drink sodas and fruity cocktails in the summer, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy a refreshing drink without all of the extra sugar and calories. Trade soda and sugary cocktails for sparkling water, herbal tea, or homemade iced coffee.
If you’re into cocktails, try this pina colada mocktail and tell me what you think!
10. Take Your Workouts to the Water
Water play is one of the best parts of summer, but it’s also a great workout. Try swimming, water aerobics, or stand-up paddleboarding for a refreshing way to stay fit.
11. Be Mindful of Alcohol Intake
Summer parties are fun, but too much alcohol can leave you sluggish and wreak havoc on your liver. (Which BTW, can totally ruin your hormones!) So set a limit when you’re going out or enjoying a party. I personally limit alcohol to major holidays (hello, 4th of July) because I know what it can do to your body. If you do choose to drink, be sure to load up on these liver healing foods to support detoxification.
12. Spend Time in Nature
Being in nature can help lower your cortisol levels (stress hormones) and increase your dopamine (your happy hormones). So soak up the sunshine, find some trees and breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the mental health benefits of being outside.
13. Walk Whenever You Can
The summertime is perfect for walking, especially in the mornings and evenings. Take advantage of the nice weather by walking instead of driving short distances. There’s really no reason not to!
Related Reading: 11 Easy Ways to Increase Your Activity Level Daily
14. Practice Mindful Eating
Summer is full of delicious foods, but slowing down and truly savoring each bite can help you enjoy them even more. Mindful eating means paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, chewing slowly, and being present during meals (without distractions like your phone or TV). T
his simple habit can prevent overeating, improve digestion, and help you make healthier food choices. Whether you’re enjoying a fresh summer salad or a scoop of ice cream, take your time and appreciate every bite. 🙂
15. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
Summer is a busy time, and that can be especially true if you have kids. I drive mine around to sports and outdoor camps like a madwoman, so I need to have healthy snacks readily available. Pack nuts, fruit, or protein bars for road trips, pool days, and summer adventures.
Here are 25 Meal Prep Snack Ideas that are perfect for when you’re on-the-go.
16. Take Social Media Breaks
With so many other things you could be doing, there’s no reason to be cooped up inside too often in the summer. It’s the perfect time to unplug more often to fully enjoy the summer moments with family and friends. If you have kids, you know what I mean!
17. Focus on Self-Care
Self-care is important for all women no matter what time of year it is. But summer is the perfect time to slow down enough to reevaluate your self-care routine and revamp it. Whether it’s reading a book, journaling, or getting a massage, make time for things that relax and recharge you.
Here are some great self-care ideas for women.
Final Thoughts on These Healthy Summer Habits
Summer is all about feeling good, having fun, and taking care of yourself. It doesn’t have to be complicated – you can take care of yourself in simple, enjoyable ways!
By adding just a few of these healthy habits into your routine, you’ll boost your energy, feel more confident, and make the most of the season. Remember, small changes add up, so pick what works for you and enjoy a happy, healthy summer!
Until next time,
Chantal from Ironwild Fitness
