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By Jessica Howington, APRN
The summer sun beckons in Florida, bringing both beautiful beach days and challenging heat. Here are ten essential tips to help you maintain holistic wellness during the Sunshine State’s most intense season.
Stay Hydrated with Intention
Florida’s summer heat can quickly deplete your body’s water reserves. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily, but make it meaningful by infusing your water with cooling cucumber, mint, or citrus fruits. This not only encourages consistent hydration but also provides additional vitamins and flavor without artificial additives.
Practice Sun-Smart Outdoor Activity
Early mornings and evenings offer the perfect opportunity for outdoor activities when temperatures are more moderate. Whether it’s beach yoga at sunrise or a peaceful evening kayak through the mangroves, scheduling outdoor time during these cooler hours allows you to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty while avoiding peak UV exposure.
Nourish with Local Seasonal Produce
Summer in Florida brings an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit local farmers’ markets to find mangoes, watermelon, and other water-rich fruits that naturally help you stay hydrated. These seasonal offerings not only support local agriculture but provide the perfect nutritional profile for hot weather.
Create a Cooling Sleep Environment
Quality sleep becomes challenging during hot Florida nights. Keep your bedroom cool with appropriate air circulation, use lightweight, breathable cotton bedding, and consider cooling pillows designed to regulate temperature. A restful night directly impacts your entire holistic health framework.
Mind Your Skin Microbiome
Beyond sunscreen application, nurture your skin with natural moisturizers containing aloe vera to soothe sun exposure. Regular gentle exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores from increased sweat and sunscreen use. Remember that skin health reflects overall wellness.
Establish a Humidity-Friendly Fitness Routine
Adapt your exercise routine to include water-based activities like swimming or aqua fitness, which provide resistance without overheating. Indoor practices like yoga and pilates offer strength and flexibility benefits while avoiding extreme heat and humidity.
Practice Heat Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness practices specifically designed for heat management. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate your body temperature and reduce stress that often accompanies extreme heat. A brief afternoon meditation can reset your system during the hottest part of the day.
Create Indoor Clean Air Sanctuaries
While air conditioning provides necessary relief, ensure your indoor environments maintain good air quality. House plants like snake plants and pothos naturally filter air, while avoiding synthetic air fresheners reduces chemical exposure in closed environments.
Embrace Water Therapy
Florida’s abundant water bodies offer natural therapy. Regular ocean swims provide beneficial minerals and gentle resistance, while the negative ions from ocean air and falling water (like showers or rainfall) have been shown to improve mood and energy levels.
Honor Your Personal Heat Threshold
Perhaps most importantly, recognize and respect your body’s unique response to heat. Some individuals naturally tolerate heat better than others. Listen to your body’s signals and adjust activities accordingly rather than pushing through discomfort that could lead to heat-related illness.
By integrating these holistic practices with Florida’s natural summer rhythms, you can not only survive but thrive during the warmest months of the year. Remember that wellness involves harmonizing with, rather than fighting against, the natural environment around you.
Ocala Health & Wellness
At Ocala Health & Wellness, we envision a vibrant community where holistic health and well-being thrive. We strive to empower individuals on their journey to optimal wellness through personalized care, education, and support. Our commitment is to create a nurturing environment that fosters physical, mental, and emotional balance, inspiring each person to embrace a healthier, happier life. Together, we cultivate a culture of wellness that transforms lives and uplifts our community.
About the Author
Driven by a passion for wellness, Jessica is a versatile nurse practitioner who has honed her skills across a range of dynamic healthcare settings. After earning her Master’s in Nursing from Emory University, she has gone on to make her mark in the emergency room, psychiatry, hospice, palliative care, and functional medicine, dedicated to empowering each of her patients to achieve their optimal health.
When she’s not in the clinic, Jessica channels her competitive spirit into the equestrian sport of dressage, recently being short-listed for the Tokyo Olympics with her horse, Cavalia. As an accomplished competitor, she also manages her family’s top-tier training, boarding, sales, and lesson facility in Ocala, where she shares her love for all animals, including her own sweet dogs.
Ocala Health & Wellness services include: Integrative Medicine, Primary Care, Weight Loss, Aesthetics, Health Coaching, Telemedicine and Concierge Services.
352-810-9387
www.ocalahealthwellness.com
1305 SE 25th Loop
Ocala, FL 34471 Suite 103
