It’s time to settle into summer, now that is in full swing with its hot, sunny long days filling us with energy and enthusiasm.
This summer is out of the ordinary from summer pasts, that’s for sure. I know for me, I am feeling the difference this summer from past summers during this historical time of the pandemic. I am reminded through pictures on Facebook memories over the years as well as volunteering as the Plymouth 400 Ambassador Team Leader to help update the calendar of events just how different this year is. Normally, I would be traveling, teaching in-person workshops, and volunteering for the Plymouth 400 events but then the unexpected happened to change our world and how we live.
Instead of traveling, teaching in-person workshops, and volunteering this summer, I am continuing to follow COVID-19 safety precautions and restrictions that are in place and adapt to the more virtual world we are now living in. There are no group gatherings this year and there are still many travel restrictions in place. I am continuing to move my business online and instead of volunteering at in-person events for Plymouth 400 as many of them have been canceled due to COVID-19, I am volunteering my time helping them adjust and adapt to the many changes the pandemic brought to the organization as well. But these changing times don’t have to stop us from enjoying the dog days of summer and soaking up all that natural vitamin D from the sun.
Below I share with you four tips to help you settle into and enjoy the long, hot summer days ahead no matter what you are doing:
- Eat alfresco. Stick to your usual dinnertime routine, but take your plate outside and enjoy the sun’s last rays. If you are still working from home, why not do the same for lunch?
- Be kind to your skin. Avoid heavy make-up as much as you can and let your skin breathe in the warmer weather but please don’t forget to apply sunscreen before going out into the sun.
- After a hot, busy day, massage your legs before bed to boost circulation.
- Make “nice ” cream by blending frozen bananas and fresh local summer berries for a low sugar, dairy-free treat or try this recipe for Fruit Sorbet by Dr. Elson Haas M.D.
Fruit Sorbet
4 cups fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped, or local fresh berries, whole
fresh mint sprigs for garnish
orange slices for garnish
Blend the first four ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Transfer to a bowl and freeze for 2-3 hours, until solid. Break large chunks and blend again until creamy and smooth. Return to the bowl and freeze again for about 30 minutes. Serve in individual bowls or parfait glasses with a sprig of mint and a slice of orange.
How are you going to settle into summer this year? Please share in the comments below.
Work Cited:
A Cook Book for All Seasons: A Healthy Eating Plan for Life, Elson Hass, M.D. (Berkley, CA: Celestial Arts, 1995,2000).
Cover photo: Pink Lemonade by Jill Wellington, Pixabay
