Ease Into Summer

The sun peeped out from the spring rains around here and suddenly everyone I know is talking about camping, making plans to mountain bike, and the trail maps have come out for hiking and running. It’s such a relief to burst out into nature after winter’s winds and cold and then spring’s rain and sometimes chilly temperatures. During this transitional season we start to ease into summer both in our activities and in our skincare.

To get ready, and move with intention into the summer, I asked a few people who are amazing outdoor enthusiasts what they do to literally hit the ground running.

Running - My friend who runs every day of the year said that to get ready for summer she made sure her hydration pack was clean and ready to go. She suggested people get electrolyte tablets and sunscreen. Find your shorts, shorter socks, and t-shirts that cover your shoulders. She said to put some bandaids into your running pack because if you fall in the summer your will probably bleed. Finally, if you have been running inside, start going outside when it is not raining or chilly, so you might have to start moving around your running time. And find a friend who wants to be your summer running partner. Accountability and company makes running so much better.

Biking - According to an avid mountain biker friend of mine now is the time to get going. When the trails are too wet, he suggests riding around your neighborhood, getting summer legs back. He said: “try doing a lot of the ride standing up to build strength and endurance.” That way when the trails dry out you have not just ridden the stationary bike sitting down. He also suggested that now is the time to make camping or hotel reservations for that summer trip you are longing to take - before it gets too late. It’s something to look forward to.

Hiking - The hiking trails can be a little muddy, too, during the transition period. The hikers I asked said to do three things. One, get in shape. Walk walk walk everywhere. Walk places you would normally drive. And for an added bonus wear your pack. They also said to get that pack ready with all the things you will need for the summer: sunscreen, hat, water bottle, maps or apps, snacks, and a first aid kit. And get your boots broken in. Wear them around the house, then on your walks.

Your skin is going to need a summer overhaul, too. In the winter we are worried about the impacts of cold and wind and the dryness that comes from indoor heating. But with summer, we want to glow. Our Super Antioxidant Glow Oil is packed with a powerful blend of six plant-based active oils and antioxidants for rich hydration, brightening, and an instantly youthful-looking glow. Those antioxidants are especially important during the summer months when we have a lot more sun exposure. For the body, Our Haitian Vetiver & Mandarin Rind Body Oil is a luxurious, exotic, citrus-infused blend of five rich organic oils for deeply nourished, smoother skin, delivering a naturally healthy glow. Created with organic Sunflower, Jojoba, Olive, Coconut, and Sesame seed oils rich in skin-conditioning vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Summer skin needs that love to be its best. No matter what takes you outside in the summer, this is the time to get ready and ease your body, gear, and skin into summer.