Campus might be quieter, but most people are busier than ever. Between work, activities, barbeques, and other obligations, be sure to make your well-being a priority this summer.
Take it outside
After our harsh winter, take advantage of nice weather and move your workout outdoors. Take a walk around campus on one of our mapped routes, hit up the Constitution Trail for a bike ride, or enjoy yoga in local parks via The Wandering Yogis. Many other activities are available through the Bloomington and Normal parks and recreation offices. Looking for something new? Find creative ways to move outside, such as gardening.
Enjoy the sun safely
Get your vitamin D fix while wearing sunscreen every day, even when it is cloudy. Aim to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming. Check out these tips for applying sunscreen from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Beat the heat
Heat exhaustion can creep up quickly on hot, humid days. When temperatures are extreme, limit your outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Also, never leave people or pets in a parked car. Temperatures inside a car can reach more than 100 degrees in mere minutes, even on a 75-degree day. The National Weather Service has additional heat safety information.
Take advantage of colorful summer produce
Fresh FAVs, a campus program that brings fresh fruits and veggies right to campus, will return in the fall. In the meantime, take advantage of bountiful local produce by visiting the Trailside Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays or the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. Check out our Summer Eats Pinterest board for recipes to use summer produce. Read about the benefits of eating colorful fruits and vegetables.
Drink up
But stick to water. Caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary beverages will only compound dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. A quick way to check hydration is urine color. The darker it is, the more likely that you are dehydrated. While it’s gotten some bad press lately, stick to the eight-glass rule to make sure you are drinking water throughout the day. If you are active or are outside in hot temperatures, consider drinking more. Added bonus: Water carries heat away from your internal organs helping to cool you down.
Let us help!
Summer is a great time to take advantage of programs and resources Health Promotion and Wellness has available. Schedule a free nutrition analysis, sign up for Lifestyle Enhancement classes, schedule a free ergonomic session, or schedule a workshop for your area. Summer is also a great time to try out the Student Fitness Center while it’s less crowded! Just be sure to keep your wellness a priority during the busy summer months.
