The days are longer and warmer — could the change have perks for your health? The answer is a decided yes. You're not imagining things if you feel better this time of year. Here are 9 ways the summer weather can benefit your health.
Words: Mia Barnes
Image: Feeh Costa
1. It Might Boost Your Mood
Approximately 4% to 6% of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) each winter. Even if you don’t have a diagnosis, you might find your mood and energy levels lifting as the days grow longer and brighter.
People with winter SAD experience symptoms such as feeling depressed or hopeless and having reduced interest in activities that can last up to 40% of the year. While treatments like medication, talk therapy and special UV lights can help, the best remedy of all might be the return of summer’s warmth!
2. It Soothes Achy Joints
If you have arthritis, you probably know that heat therapy can ease the symptoms of your condition. The warm summer weather might result in fewer flares if you have the rheumatoid form of the disorder. Likewise, those who have osteoarthritis find that the warmth helps expand their blood vessels, allowing lubricating fluids to flow to joints more freely, alleviating pain.
Summer is the ideal time to start a new exercise program if you have arthritis. You’ll move more freely, allowing you to strengthen the muscles and connective tissues lining your joints. By the time winter arrives, you’ll have established the basics, allowing you to continue your regimen all year long with greater comfort.
3. You Eat Fresher Foods
Did you know that fruits and vegetables start to lose their nutrients just three short days after harvest? If you haven’t made friends at your local farmer’s market yet, summer is the time to do so.
Fresher produce means that you increase your antioxidant consumption. These magical substances boost your health by combating the harmful free radicals that lead to cellular damage and death. If you have the means, buy extra and stock your freezer for the cold winter months.
4. Your Blood Pressure Decreases
Remember how heat eases the pain of osteoarthritis by expanding your blood vessels and letting fluids flow to your joints? This mechanism also benefits your heart health.
In general, your blood pressure decreases in summer. Cold weather causes your vessels to contract, making your heart work harder. Warm weather has the opposite effect.
However, you should use caution in extreme heat if you have heart disease. Some medications reduce water in the bloodstream, making you more prone to dehydration. Please exercise indoors or take your workouts to the water to reduce strain on your heart, as your body has to work harder to stay cool in hot and humid conditions.
5. Your Skin May Clear Up
Do you have rosacea or psoriasis? If so, you might notice that your skin looks better in the summer. The humidity helps keep skin moist, reducing flaking, and swimming in saltwater can further exfoliate any scales.
However, if you have acne, you might need to up your cleansing regimen in the summer. Humidity can trap dirt and oils within pores, leading to breakouts.
6. You Reduce Your Fracture Risk
You might think that fractures increase in the summer because more people are outdoors and active in things like sports. However, research out of Penn State indicates that the risk of broken bones decreases during the warmer months, at least among older adults.
One reason for the discrepancy may be the weather — there’s no snow and ice to trip you up in most locations in July. Another possible link has to do with increased vitamin D intake from sun exposure. Your body needs this nutrient to use calcium for bone replacement, and you get more of it in the summer.
7. Time Outdoors Boosts Immunity
Are you planning a summer camping trip? You might want to do so if you hope to shower your immune system with love after the past crazy pandemic year.
A study of those participating in the Japanese practice of forest-bathing reveals an increased number and activity in vital immune cells after taking an overnight trip in the woods. The effect comes from inhaling phytoncides, chemicals plants emit for defense that also affect the human body.
8. You Spend More Time With Loved Ones
You might think it’s no big deal if you frequently feel lonely. However, research suggests this emotion increases your risk of all-cause mortality.
Therefore, cherish summer’s longer days for reconnecting with those you love. Say yes to that family reunion invitation — doing so may benefit your health.
9. You May Sleep Better
If you’re a parent, you probably know it’s easier to put your little one down for a nap after they’ve run themselves ragged playing outdoors. Guess what? The same principle applies to adult bodies.
Summer encourages you to increase your activity level. If you found yourself tossing and turning this past winter — especially if COVID-19 closed gyms in your area — please take advantage of the extra daylight to get outside for a bike ride or hike each day.
Summer Weather Can Benefit Your Health
You might be one of many who adore this season because you find yourself feeling better. The effect isn’t in your head — summer weather can benefit your health in many noticeable ways!