Houston Summers can be HOT. But the benefits of the outdoors don't stop when the temperatures rise. Read below to discover some benefits of spending time outdoors that are specific to summers, some ways to equip yourself to best deal with the heat and some fun things to do in Houston this summer, while staying cool.
Nature offers us endless benefits, children and adults alike. From strengthening our immune systems and reducing stress to increasing resilience and creativity. During a season when nature’s medicine is at its most fruitful, we get too bothered by heat and sweat, and not only stay indoors breathing air-conditioned air instead of fresh air ourselves, we think that’s what’s best for our children too. Every season has its own unique medicine, summer in Houston not being an exception. With that being said, if you’re not used to being outdoors, this might not be the best time to spend a whole day outside. Build up your resilience gradually, with shorter intervals of being outside and focus on starting from the cooler hours of the day. Let your body acclimate.
Let’s talk about the benefits summertime offers
These are some benefits of being outside that peak specifically during summertime.
- Summer is when we get the most daylight. Sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which is crucial not only for bone and immune health, but also mental health. Summertime is the best time to soak up all the Vitamin D. This doesn’t mean you have to stand in direct sunlight, sunlight can be absorbed when in the shade as well, it just takes a bit more time.
- Heat, particularly in hot and humid conditions, improves blood flow. This is so that our body can regulate its internal temperature and let the heat dissipate. Improved blood circulation makes all of our organs receive proper oxygen levels and work efficiently. It also speeds up wound healing, keeps our brains sharp and hearts healthy.
- Heat and humidity sure come accompanied by sweating. Sweating is one of the ways our bodies naturally detox. Sweating improves lymphatic drainage, which in turn helps our bodies eliminate toxins, like heavy metals and chemicals.
Dehydration is the problem, not the heat
If we eliminate severe weather cases of extreme heat, the heat is really not the villain. It’s the fact that heat causes dehydration, and that is where the health issues arise. So let’s talk about some ways we can prioritize hydration, so that we are able to enjoy summer, without health repercussions.
But first, let’s remember the fact that you shouldn’t start hydrating the minute you go outside. When you go outside, your body should already be hydrated. And of course, we want to keep up with it, as we lose moisture through sweat.
Hydration isn’t just water, it’s your cells absorbing the water which is done with the help of minerals. For optimal hydration, think of things that are rich in water AND minerals.
- Have you ever thought about why fruits that are in season in summer are so juicy? Because nature gives us exactly what we need. So eat lots of seasonal fruit, like watermelon, peaches and all kinds of berries. These fruits are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect against sunburn by neutralizing free radicals.
- Use these seasonal fruits and blend them up with water to make Agua Frescas. There is a reason why Latin American (hot) countries drink lots of them.
- Tea is another thing that's rich in water and minerals. And did you know there are herbs that cool your body temperature down internally? Mint, Lemon balm, and Hibiscus are some examples. Linden is my summer favorite, as it’s cooling and moistening. Its light floral taste is also perfect for summer.
Remember to also replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Coconut water is a great source for it, as well as fruits, like bananas.
Some other things that help your body deal with heat
Here are some extra tips for you:
- Stay in the shade, ideally in nature, surrounded by trees, as trees cool down the temperature around them.
- Work around the intense heat and spend most of your time outdoors in the early morning and evening.
- Opt out of polyester and wear breathable fabrics, like cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and helps our bodies stay cool.
- Carry a misting bottle with you. The relief from it is only temporary, but oh does it feel so good!
Things to do outdoors in the Houston summer heat
Now that we have talked about the benefits of getting outside in summer, as well as the right tools to deal with the heat, here are some things to do this summer.
- Spend time surrounded by as much nature as possible. There is so much wildlife thriving all around us during this time of year, so get outside and enjoy it! Like I mentioned above, trees cool down the air around them, so if nothing else, that should be your reason to go be in nature this summer. Some parks around Houston we recommend are: Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve, Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, Jesse H. Jones Park, and Brazos Bend State Park. If you feel really hot, try taking your shoes off and feel the cool grass (and get the grounding benefits).
- Have fun with water! Connect with a body of water, even better if it’s a natural one. Go to the beach, or check out some of the gorgeous waterholes in Texas, like Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole Regional Park. These natural bodies of water are also rich in minerals. Did you know that when you spend time in mineral rich waters they get absorbed through your skin?
- Join The Wild School Summer Camps or Caregiver Inclusive Classes this summer, where we’ll be outside in nature, learning through hands-on exploration and getting lots of water play.
Summer in Houston can surely be enjoyed. It takes some acclimation, preparation and proper hydration, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. So go get some sunlight and fresh air, ground and stay cool in nature and enjoy all the colors of nature that are the brightest during this time of year.
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by Viktorya Avetisyan