(BPT) - Summer brings fun in the sun and is often accompanied by packed schedules filled with travel, family gatherings and long days outdoors, making it easy to let wellness habits slip.
However, prioritizing self-care can make a big difference in how you feel and function so you can fully enjoy everything on your sunshine-filled schedule all season long. To help you out, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers the following pro tips.
1. Refresh your space
When life feels chaotic, a cluttered space can make it worse. But you don't have to overhaul everything. Start small! Pick one spot each week to tidy, like your car, work bag or fridge.
As part of the refresh, Blatner suggests adding something small to your daily spaces that sparks joy. It could be color, music or a meaningful item that reminds you to take care of yourself, even during the busiest days.
2. Unplug
It can be easy to mindlessly scroll on your phone or other devices. You don't have to give up your electronics, but setting digital boundaries can help reduce your screen time. Schedule time in your day for screen-free outdoor time to reduce stress and soak up mood-boosting vitamin D.
3. Eat what makes you feel good
Focus on eating foods that taste good and make you feel nourished and happy. Blatner recommends keeping a feel-good fridge zone with pre-chopped veggies, hard-boiled eggs for grab-and-go protein, antioxidant-packed snacks like seasonal berries and infused water jars with herbs and citrus.
4. Make movement fun
Does the thought of hitting the gym or going on a run fill you with dread? Don't force yourself to do an exercise you don't enjoy. Instead of traditional workouts, embrace playful movement outdoors like paddleboarding, bike riding, beach volleyball or even dance classes to keep fitness fun and consistent.
5. Make a sweet, protein-packed snack
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade treat made from high-quality ingredients like Blatner's recipe for Protein Cookie Bites. They're a deliciously crave-worthy yet nourishing snack to tackle those sweet cravings throughout your day.
These protein bites are made with Eggland's Best eggs, so you can savor every bite knowing that these eggs contain 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs. This powerful antioxidant helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which is especially helpful during the hotter months when sun exposure increases.
EB eggs also have six times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs, which supports bone health, immune function and mood regulation.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk Eggland's Best eggs and stir in peanut butter and maple syrup.
3. Add in protein powder and oats and stir until fully mixed. Then, fold in chocolate chips.
4. Scoop the batter into 24 mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top each with a pinch of salt.
5. Bake about 8 minutes or until bottoms are golden. Let cool for 15 minutes and enjoy.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, in the fridge for up to seven days, or freeze for up to three months.
Don't forget to take care of yourself no matter how busy the summer gets! Using these five pro tips, you'll be able to prioritize self-care, even with a packed schedule.
