It's that time again. When backpacks, glue sticks, and Expo markers flood the store shelves, and all the summer fun seems to have gone away, remember one thing. It isn't over yet. The pools are open until at least Labor Day, and there are plenty of ice cream cones to eat! Here are some reminders for what you should be doing while you enjoy the rest of summer 2016.
1. School is still out!
Do you realize that you still have a few weeks before you need to worry about classes? Do not waste the end of your summer on stressing. Your classes are all scheduled, there will be enough binders and pens and sticky notes to buy later. For now, get sand in your toes, eat popsicles until your brain freezes, and go on adventures. Soak up the sun as much as you can. Swim more, worry less.
2. There is only one summer a year.
Like Drake reminded us, you have “all summer 16.” Fill this time with as much as you can. This is the only summer ever where you may be with exactly the people you are with now, exactly where you are right now. Make the most of it. And speaking of Drake, go to concerts. We all know that summer tours are better than any other season, maybe excluding OVO SZN.
3. Hold onto your athletes.
It’s only a matter of time before all of the fall athletes go to camp, start two-a-days, and have no time for anything other than their sport. While real athletes never have an off season, we know there is some down time in the summer that the regular season doesn’t allow. While of course you have to be sure to reserve your seats for the big games this fall, make sure to make memories, and make the most of what’s left of summer.
4. Get a tan.
The harmful tanning bed rays are no good for your skin, but a little of the real stuff sure makes your skin feel great. Find the right SPF and a good book and sit poolside while you can. We all know this weather doesn’t hang around all year long, but as long as the sun’s out and you have a cold drink in your hand, what more could you ask for? Some free vitamin C is better than paying for a membership to lay in a tiny box and fake bake any day, right? We’ll talk about it again when December rolls around.
5. Set your limits.
If you are doing any kind of exercise in the heat, it needs to be limited and supported with a lot of water and electrolytes. Maybe you’re scheduled to run 12 miles in your training program, but the only time you have to squeeze it in is when the temperature is 80 degrees. Change it up. Not a big treadmill fan? Run on an indoor track or do a sprint or speed workout instead. Do something that will limit your body’s time in the direct sunlight and heat. Those 12 miles in our training plan mean nothing if you end up getting hurt or sick because of the weather. Dehydration is no joke. Run smart, train smart.
6. Be responsible for your pets.
We all know the trick of hiding your dog’s mess under some snow. In winter this works, but in summer it doesn’t. Pick up after your pets on walks. Common sense, right? Wrong! If you can’t remember to do that, then I hope you can at least remember the next part to caring for your pets, or else you shouldn't have one.
Do not leave them in the car if you don't have to, and if you do, leave a window rolled down and don't take too long.
Again, seems like common sense, but we all watch the news, we all have social media, and most of have, unfortunately, have seen this happen first hand. Some states’ laws are not as helpful as others when it comes to saving pets, but that will change in the future.
When it is hot out, whether it’s for just five mins or not, it is extremely unsafe and inhumane to leave a pet inside a car with no fresh air. Don't do it.
Summer is still going, so make the most of it while you can in the best and safest ways possible!
