Summer in our town is almost here. You can just feel the energy and excitement bubbling up in class at Tradewinds. The doors are open during class, the gentle breeze is welcomed in, and Summer early morning beachside workout sessions are back on the calendar. Summer is the perfect time to get outside, stay active, and soak up some sunshine. Moderate sun exposure provides important benefits that include helping our bodies produce vitamin D, which then supports bone health, immune function, and our mood. Soaking in some early morning sunlight promotes productivity throughout the day and helps regulate our body’s natural circadian rhythms. Spending time outdoors can also reduce stress, boost energy levels, and make exercise feel more enjoyable.
Health Benefits of Safe Sun Exposure:
- Supports vitamin D production, which helps maintain strong bones and a healthy immune system.
- Boosts serotonin levels, helping improve mood and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
- Encourages outdoor physical activity, which benefits cardiovascular health, strength, and overall fitness.
- Helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to better sleep quality.
However, too much sun can quickly turn a healthy habit into a health risk. Excessive UV exposure increases the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause damage. Long gone are the days of slathering on baby oil to tan faster, and thankfully tanning salons are almost fully a thing of the past. Many of us have to work even harder to protect ourselves nowadays to compensate for poor sun exposure decisions in our youth.
As you enjoy outdoor workouts, walks, and weekend adventures this summer, remember to protect yourself. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, stay hydrated, and seek shade during peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. It’s also important to remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours when in direct sunlight, and also immediately after swimming, heavily sweating, or drying off with a towel. An important rule of thumb to remember with dehydration is to stay ahead of the thirst by hydrating regularly throughout the day and also adding electrolytes to your diet. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be well on your way to dehydration.
At Tradewinds, we encourage a balanced approach to wellness. Getting outside and staying active is one of the best ways to support your physical and mental health, but taking care of your skin and overall well-being is just as important. We have such a short summer season in our area. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and go overboard at the beach with sun exposure. It’s important to enjoy the sunshine while also staying safe, staying hydrated, and making the most of this beautiful season!
This summer, enjoy the sunshine while making your health a priority. Stay active, stay protected, and embrace the season with balance. If you’re looking for a supportive community to help you stay consistent, contact Tradewinds today—we’d love to help you make this your healthiest summer yet.
