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7 Tips to Get Out and Be Active This Summer

We’ve partnered with Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company Division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. on this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are our own. For our sponsored post policy, click here

After what can probably be called the longest winter ever, I know many of us are itching to get outside and play! Whether it’s with our families, our friends, our pets or, heck, just ourselves, when the weather warms up and the grass gets green, summertime just begs you to get active.

Now, if you went into workout hibernation over the winter and cold spring, don’t despair. You can get out there and be active; you’ve just gotta be smart about it. Which is why we put together these seven tips about how to safely get out there and play this summer!

summer-tips

7 Tips to Get Out and Be Active This Summer

1. Ease into activity. We know, we know. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it feels AWESOME to get out there and move. But, in order for you to be able to move all summer long and not on just one glorious day, it’s important to ease yourself into activity. Tempting as it may be to stay out playing soccer all afternoon long (especially with the World Cup games going on!), really listen to your body and keep your activity at a moderate intensity level for no more than 30 minutes. Each week, add another 5 to 10 minutes on to your total time or bump up your intensity a bit. This will not only help make you less likely to get injured, but it’ll also better ensure that you can move the next day.

2. Dress appropriately. If you’re going to move, it’s likely you’re going to sweat. Wear moisture-wicking fabric from top to bottom and if you’re out playing a sport, make sure you have the appropriate gear/dress for it. Consider packing oil-absorbing sheets, too, if you can’t shower right after your summer fun.

3. Be protected from the sun. Hello, sunshine! It feels great on the skin, but don’t forget to protect your entire body from too much of a good thing. Slather on that sunscreen (and reapply often!), don those sunglasses, and rock that hat.

4. Hydrate and fuel up. When you’re out having fun and being active, you may lose track of time or just not even realize how hungry or thirsty you are. Whenever you go out, always pack cold drinks (we like coconut water since it has natural electrolytes in it!) and snacks. Keep your small cooler even cooler by using bags of frozen fruit as ice. You can then use the frozen fruit as fun flavored “ice cubes” in your water, as a cool-ya-down snack — and the bag of frozen fruit can double as an ice pack if you need it. Which brings us to the next tip …

5. Bring a first aid kit. You always want to be prepared for whatever summer throws at you. We recommend always having wipes, antibiotic ointment and BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages TOUGH-STRIPS with you, in case injury, grass burn or, well, anything strikes. It’s also a good idea to pack some BENADRYL® READYMIST® Itch Stopping Spray. You never know what critters might be out or how grass might affect your skin, and this stuff will stop any itch in its tracks! Again, don’t forget that sun protection for the skin. It’s also always a good idea to pack BENGAY® Cold Therapy, just in case someone gets a sprain or you start feeling a little sore after kicking that soccer ball around. It will give you relief from the pain — and help cool you down!

6. Have the right mindset. Have fun! So you can’t run as fast as you could last summer. Or you don’t quite have your soccer legs back just yet. Who cares?! It’s early in the season, so cut yourself some slack and enjoy the experience. Perfection is for the birds!

7. Keep at it! Stay motivated by trying something new. Summer is the perfect time to take up a new team sport, take that tennis lesson, go on that hike or sign up for that 5K. Let the weather inspire you and your workouts!

Pumped to get out there safely? Us, too! Now print out this packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!

Your Active Summer First Aid Kit Packing List

What would you put in your first aid kit? Build yours here and then do tell! —Jenn 

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!