Are you traveling near or far, in the height of summer, the season of sun and fun? I am here to remind you of some healthy must do's for your body, mind, and spirit.

I know you have all heard it a million times, but are you drinking enough water? It is so easy to get dehydrated in the heat of summer. I must admit that I have to keep track of the glasses of water I am filling to assure that I am getting my daily requirement. Flying, coffee and alcohol consumption, and exercise are some of the things that contribute to dehydration. I try to follow the formula of drinking 1/2 of my body weight in ounces. It takes a concerted effort to drink that much water, but I will tell you I feel very much better when I do!  Give it a try and let me know how you feel. 

Sunscreen, as popular as it is, is something I don't use. I feel that chemical sunscreens don't work very well (must be constantly reapplied) and I suspect the chemicals are very toxic, and dare I say, may contribute to skin problems down the road. I try to expose my skin (except for my face) to 20 minutes of sun daily in the summer months. Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is manufactured in the skin. It takes about 20 minutes of exposure, over 80% of your body to get your daily requirement. It is also very important that you don't wash your skin for several hours after exposure for the D to be activated. I wear a sun hat to protect my face and when I know I am going to be in the sun, even with a hat on, I add a few drops of NECTAR to my LUSH for added protection. If I am going to be in the sun for longer than 20 minutes, cover myself accordingly.

If you are doing a lot of distant travel that requires that you fly, you are exposing yourself to a lot of solar radiation. Any kind of radiation is not good for our human cells. When I book a flight I try to choose seats that will be on the opposite side of the plane that will have the most sun exposure. If you are not a green tea drinker like I am, I would suggest that you start drinking a cup or two of green tea a week before and after your flights. Green tea has been well studied for its effects of mitigating radiation exposure. Radiation is very hard on the skin and making sure that you are applying EAA skin care products is also very protective for your skin.

I like to use my humidifier, with drops of essential oils 24/7 in the summer, because where I live it is very dry and very hot. I find that my sinuses and my state of mind are soothed by the extra moisture. I like a blend of spermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary. These essential oils are great for allergies, and are soothing to the mucous membranes of the sinuses. This blend feels cooling and moistening, and smells uplifting.

It is easy to over commit our time in the summer, and feel overburdened by all of the outdoor activities. I make time everyday for quiet contemplation and I commit myself to pacing myself through the day. It is easy to stay up late with so much light in the sky, but getting enough sleep is very important to your overall health. Watch the sun set, get in the hammock, or nap in the shade, but most of all find joy in this season of light.

Happy summering!
-Kate

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