Fun and Healthy Ideas to Beat the Dog Days of Summer
With August, comes the dog days of Summer. You know, after what seems like endless hot days laying about. Cold drinks and popsicles by the pool starts to feel kind of ho hum, maybe the laziness and lack of motivation the summer heat can bring has set in.
Time for some fresh infusions of ideas, whether you try these on your own, with a partner, a friend, or use these to make the last bit of Summer active and fun with the kids before they head back to school!
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Explore local trails or national parks early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Maybe you challenge yourself to climb a mountain, or hit up a trail to a good swimming hole for a cool reward.
- Cycling: Go for a bike ride along shaded path or near water bodies to stay cool. Bring a packed lunch and see what you find along thew way. There are so many great biking trails around the Victoria area.
- Swimming: Visit a local pool, lake, river, or beach for a refreshing swim and get some of the full body exercise swimming has to offer.
- Go for a Paddle: Taking out a kayak, canoe, or paddle board on the water paddling and enjoying nature and exploring the lakes or beaches. If you fall in, you’ll get a nice cool off.
- Create a Fairy Garden: It may be late in the season for planting a garden, but it’s never too late to get creative and make some magic with a fairy garden. Kids and creative adults will love this project of making a tiny whimsical landscape in the yard, or even in a flower pot. Spend time scouring for supplies such as pinecones, twigs, and leaves… or hit up your local craft store for little objects to set your scene.
- Healthy Picnic Lunch or Dinner: Plan a picnic with fresh salads, sandwiches, and plenty of water. Find a nice shaded spot in a park or by the beach to enjoy your meal to change up the hum drum routine.
- Beach Yoga: Take your yoga practice to the beach for an elevated experience and then relax and enjoy the ocean breeze after.
Fun in the Yard
- Water Balloon Fights: Organize a water balloon fight with friends or family. A thrilling way to cool off, plus awakens a competitive and playful spirit.
- Slip 'n Slide: Set up a slip 'n slide in your backyard for some fun and cool exercise.
- Run under the Sprinkler: Your inner child will be thrilled at this nostalgic way to cool off.
- Backyard Camping: Set up a tent in your backyard for a fun camping experience without leaving the comforts of home! Plus, it can help you keep cool on hot summer nights and encourage connection with your camping partners.
Healthy Summer Treats
- Frozen Fruit Pops: Blend your favorite fruits with a bit of juice and freeze in molds, so you don’t have to wait for the ice cream truck.
- Infused Water: Create refreshing infused water with combinations like cucumber-mint or strawberry-basil as an alternative to sugary juice and sodas.
- Hit Up Local Farmer’s Markets: Explore the abundance of fresh produce available during this season of end of summer harvest and use your finds to create fabulous eats.
Wellness Practices
- Meditation: Practice meditation outdoors to connect with nature and promote relaxation. Challenge yourself to 10 minutes a day of sitting in silence and just breathing. You’ll be amazed how this shifts your whole perspective on life!
- Mindful Walking: If sitting still isn’t for you, try going for mindful walks, paying attention to your surroundings and the sensations of walking, the sounds of nature around you.
Supplement your Summer
- B Complex: Adding a Vitamin B complex can help you boost your energy and beat that sluggish end of summer feeiing.
- Vitamin D: Even though you’re out in the sunshine a lot more in the summertime, most Canadians still benefit from a Vitamin D supplement to help keep mood and energy levels stable.
- Magnesium: Good energy starts with good sleep, consider Magnesium’s benefit to helping relax and unwind for a good night’s rest.
-Electrolytes: Sweating can burn through our electrolytes, so make sure to add some extra in to help you stay hydrated and maintain optimal cellular functions.
Enjoy the last bit of Summer to the fullest!