Now is the season characterized by days outside, beach trips, water sports, tanning, and backyard lounging with your friends. While we fill with excitement at the thought of many of these activities, it is important to remember what they are all centered around the sun. We crave its warmth all winter (which is quite a long time for those of us in the Midwestern and Northern regions). Although one might have fewer responsibilities during the summer than during the school year, that does not mean that one should shirk their responsibilities of staying safe under the sun. We put our bodies through a lot. From sleepless nights to poor food choices during the year, don't you think we owe it to our bodies to keep them healthy, happy, and relaxed for summer '16? Here are the top five things I like to keep in mind when I head outside in the summer:

1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen

I know, it's the most obvious one, but rightfully so. People wouldn't be nagging at you every summer to put sunscreen on if it wasn't important. You should be reapplying once every two hours, but if you know that you burn very easily, it's smart to reapply at a quicker interval. Additionally, make sure to be applying sunscreen to your lips as well. Trust me lip burns are NOT pleasant, so invest in some chapstick like Banana Boat Lip Balm with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 protection (this isn't product placement, just what I literally have in my back pocket).

2. Shades & Shade

I am a firm believer that everyone looks cooler with shades on, so use the sun as an excuse to shamelessly flaunt your favorite pair of shades! However, if you're like me and have to wear your prescription glasses 24/7 and don't have the funds to blow on prescription SUNglasses, opt to hang in the shade for a bit! It's very important to give your eyes a break because they are constantly exposed to harmful UV rays. No shame in wearing your shades in the shade either! *cue Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart*

3. Stay hydrated

On average, if you're a dude you should be drinking 3.7 liters of fluids per day, and if you're a gal you should be drinking 2.7 liters. It is so easy to get dehydrated in the summer. Where ever you go, make sure you're taking at least one water bottle with you. Some signs of dehydration include dry mouth, increased thirst, dizziness, and fainting. If you think you are dehydrated, make sure to tell someone and pick up water or a drink like Gatorade or Powerade.

4. Cover up

Let's be real, nobody wants to wear a turtleneck to the beach. BUT, wearing loose clothes that cover a lot of you up will help keep the sun out and keep you from overheating.

5. Shoes

Even though you've got sunscreen on the top of your feet, it's important to protect the bottom of your feet too! Many people have tendencies to walk around with bare feet in the summer. Most of the time this isn't an issue, but when you're walking barefoot on hot pavement or hot sand there is a possibility of your feet blistering. Trust me, getting rid of the blisters is not at all pleasant for anyone involved so please just wear shoes if the temperature is too hot to walk on these surfaces.

This summer break, give your bodies a break too! I hope that you all remember these helpful tips to stay safe, happy, and healthy, under the summer sun. Don't end up like me last summer (see the picture below and shed a tear for my back #RTifyoucryeverytime). Cheers to summer '16!