Weekends at the Farmer’s Market, juicy fresh produce, late nights with family in the backyard, and green EVERYWHERE - there are many reasons why MicroPower loves the summer season.

This time of years brings an abundance of sunshine, outdoor pleasures, and opportunities to relax and play. That being said, the heat, sun exposure, and change of pace can have negative impacts on our mind and body.

To help you make the most of this vibrant season while staying well and feeling POWERFUL, discover our favorite healthy summer habits.

1. Hydration is CRITICAL!

Everyone knows it’s important to drink enough water, but 70% of Americans are chronically dehydrated! This statistic is even worse in the summer as we lose more moisture through sweat from the heat. Electrolytes are equally important. They maintain the electrical neutrality of your cells so your nervous system can properly communicate, move nutrients into your cells and waste out of your cells, balance fluids in your body, and more.

Did you know microgreens are a great source of electrolytes? These include minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. Taking your daily dose of microgreen powder along with drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water will ensure your body stays properly hydrated and safe while you enjoy the summer sunshine!

Indulge in some of our favorite foods to stay hydrated:

Cucumber - add them to a rice cake with hummus and feta
Iceburg Lettuce - gives you the same satisfying crunch as tortilla chips in a burrito bowl
Celery - ants on a log… hello?
Bell peppers - so good cut into little bowls stuffed with chicken or tuna salad
Cabbage - so yummy sautéed with rice vinegar
Spinach - virtually tasteless, so add it to anything from smoothie to scrambled eggs
Melon - watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew… the best summer snack there is!

2. Up the Anti(oxidants) to Protect Your Skin

Too much sun exposure can cause cellular damage, but proper nutrition can protect the skin! There are hundreds of powerful antioxidants that decelerate the aging process and neutralize free radical damage caused by UV exposure.

Pigments such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein offer incredible photoprotective benefits to both prevent and heal sun damage, and all three antioxidants are abundant in microgreens!

While taking microgreens will do wonders for your skin, you should still be sure to wear a nontoxic, mineral-based sunscreen if you plan to be in the sunshine for more than 15 minutes!

3. Spend Time Outdoors

It’s tempting to avoid the outdoors when our temperatures creep up into the high 80s and 90s, but don’t let the heat scare you off!

Studies have shown time and time again that getting out in nature lowers stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure, preventing a wide range of chronic diseases. If you can’t stand the heat, commit yourself to getting out early in the morning or later in the evening for sunrise and sunset.

It’s worth it!

Bonus tip: Starting habit stacking by taking your greens right after you go for a sunrise walk to get some healing morning infrared sun!

4. Get Your Summer Slumber Right

Good sleep is always a foundational essential for optimum health, but it’s particularly important during these hot months.

Longer daylight hours and increased sunlight hours can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, known as your circadian rhythm. It can be difficult to go to sleep at a reasonable time since it gets dark so late.

Additionally, your body is working harder than ever to maintain temperature regulation and heal from excess UV exposure. This can be draining! We’re sure you’ve experienced the profound yet oddly satisfying exhaustion after a day in the heat.

Be sure to shut off your screens at least an hour for bed, invest in some linen or silk sheets for good airflow, and prioritize 8-9 hours a night.

5. Prioritize Time with Family and Friends

Social interaction with loved ones is good for you! Studies show that social interaction is correlated with a higher quality of life, fewer health problems, and increased longevity.

You don’t need scientific evidence to appreciate the benefits of positive, long-lasting social connections. Connecting with others through “co-regulation” can relieve harmful levels of stress and regulate the nervous system to improve function of the arteries, gut, insulin, and the immune system.

With the kids on summer vacation, there is no better time to bring family and friends together to strengthen ties and create lasting memories. It’s good for you!

Get Your Greens This Summer Season

No matter what your summer looks like, prioritize your health so you can hold up your family and community. Small habits can have massive results that better your life and that of those around you!

From our family to yours, we wish you an adventure-filled, rejuvenating, and healthy summer season. Stay hydrated, go outside, and get your greens!

Hot + Powerful: Summer Habits for a Healthy Mind and Body