September is Healthy Aging Month - an annual event focusing on the positive aspects of growing older. During this time, we look to highlight the importance of habits that can help you stay healthy as you age. 

‍Why is this important?

Maintaining good health can help you continue to live a productive, active, and independent lifestyle. 

‍But what steps should you take to maintain your health?

‍What areas should you focus on?

In today’s article, we’ll be sharing tips to help you live a healthy, independent, and active lifestyle as you age. 

Keep reading to learn more!

Physical activity

We all know that staying active is key to maintaining our health.

‍Studies show that exercising continuously can help us live longer. And Harvard Health suggests that exercise can improve quality of life as well. 

‍But what does that mean?

It means that regular exercise can help you maintain your health, independence, and overall mobility as you age. It may also aid your energy levels, sleep, strength, and more.

‍Exercise can also reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and obesity — and it may even help prevent different forms of cancer like prostate and colon cancer. 

It can also help preserve muscle mass. In a 2019 study, researchers found that moderate to vigorous intensity exercise is a strong part of aiding muscle function in older adults.

‍So, what can you do to live a more active lifestyle?

Before participating in activities, it’s important to gauge where your fitness levels are. It’s best to start off slow and work your way up to longer and more intense exercise as you adjust and get comfortable. 

Some common forms of exercise include:‍

• Cycling
• Walking
• Swimming
• Playing sports
• Light to moderate weight lifting 

We recommend you find something you enjoy. That way it’s easier to stick with it!

Healthy eating

Diet can play a huge role in how we feel and function. 

It has a direct influence on health and well-being in many ways. From bodyweight to the prevention of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

It’s best to avoid empty-calorie foods like baked goods, soda, and alcohol. Empty calories may provide immediate energy, but it’s often short-lasting. They offer no nutritional benefits and they don’t build muscle, supply vitamins, or promote the sense of fullness needed to keep energy levels well balanced throughout the day.

It's also best to stay away from trans fats. Trans-fats can lower “good” cholesterol and increase “bad” cholesterol, and they also increase the risk of certain diseases. 

For most adults, a healthy diet includes:‍

• Healthy fats - Health experts recommend monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (healthy fats) versus bad fats like trans fats. These types of fats lower the risk of certain conditions. 
• Complex carbs - this form of carbohydrates digests slower and supplies a long and steady release of glucose (energy) into the bloodstream. This prevents energy crashes and creates longer-lasting energy. Complex carbs also provide more vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are important nutrients in the healthy functioning of the body.
• Good amounts of protein - every cell in the body contains protein. Protein helps repair and build bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin. It also plays a role in regulating hormones and it can aid in digestion.

Some sources of healthy fats include avocados, nuts, chia seeds, fatty fish, and nut butters.

Complex carbs come from foods like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, whole grains, beans, peas, and even certain vegetables.

Most meat contains protein, but it’s ideal to eat lean sources of meat such as poultry and fish. This prevents the ingestion of bad fats that come from meats like beef and pork.

Protein is also found in non-animal foods like lentils, quinoa, beans, and more.

Getting enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle. It allows the body and mind to recharge. In return, this leads to better energy levels, more clarity, and focus. 

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, memory, and cognitive function. 

In one study of adults over the age of 65, adults who had a poor quality of sleep had a harder time concentrating and problem-solving than those who had a good quality of sleep. In another study that looked at data from close to 8000 people, researchers found that those in their 50s and 60s that had 6 hours of sleep or less were more at risk of developing dementia. 

Getting a good amount of sleep is also associated with a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, and lower rates of insulin resistance.

‍But how can you get a better night's sleep?

‍There are several things you can do to get good sleep. Some of which include:‍

• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding caffeine close to bedtime
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Not taking naps later in the day and evening

Finding ways to relax and unwind before bed is also a great way to promote sleep. You can try reading, taking a warm bath, or even mindfulness meditation. One study found that mindfulness awareness practices like meditation actually improved sleep quality.

Avoiding unhealthy habits

Certain habits can be harmful to your health and wellness. A few habits you should consider avoiding to encourage a healthy lifestyle include:

• Smoking - quitting smoking can lower the risk of certain diseases, improve circulation, and improve your ability to exercise. 
• Alcohol and other substances - excessive alcohol use can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and more. It may also weaken the immune system and increase the odds of getting sick. 

Mental health

Mental health plays a big role in health and quality of life. Learning to manage stress and depression, and practicing self-care is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

‍Different aspects you should be aware of include:‍

• Social isolation and loneliness - it’s important to maintain social connections throughout your life. Isolation and disconnect can inevitably create feelings of loneliness. Studies show that loneliness causes a higher risk of heart disease and depression in older adults. Make sure to stay in touch with family and friends through each stage in life. Scheduling time every day or every week is a great way to maintain social connections.
• Stress - according to a recent study, cortisol (the stress hormone) levels naturally increase after middle age. This increase in stress may actually cause changes in the brain. Learning to manage stress is key in minimizing its effects. You can do this by meditating, journaling, exercising, or taking part in activities you enjoy.  
• Depression and mood - depression is often associated with intense feelings of sadness. But sometimes, someone might experience numbness or disinterest in activities they normally love. Depression may also increase the chances of developing dementia. In a study with over 1000 adults, researchers found a connection between the number of depressive episodes a person had and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Depression can be serious, but it's treatable. As soon as you notice symptoms, you should visit a healthcare professional. From there you can determine the best treatment options for you.

If you think you’re in need of immediate help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. Or you can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.‍

Cognitive health

‍What is cognitive health? 

Cognitive health is the ability to think clearly, remember, and learn. It can often change with age. Many older adults experience changes in thinking ability and memory. 

Making small changes in daily life can help you maintain and improve cognitive health. In a study with 3000 participants, researchers found that the following 5 healthy lifestyle factors played a big role in maintaining cognitive health:

• Not smoking
• Eating a high-quality Mediterranean diet
• Not drinking large quantities of alcohol 
• Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like playing games or writing.
• At least 150 minutes every week of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity

Researchers found that following these lifestyle choices greatly reduced the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. 

Those who took part in at least 4 healthy lifestyle choices, actually had a 60% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. 

Healthy Aging Month Conclusion

Healthy Aging Month is a month dedicated to spreading awareness and educating people on the importance of maintaining health throughout the natural state of aging.

Learning the best practices to improve health as we age can help us live longer, higher-quality lives.

We hope you learned a lot from today’s article and the healthy aging tips we’ve shared. Make sure to share this around in your community, and let people know your biggest takeaway from this article! 

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With almost 5 million members, we’ve been able to launch a variety of health research efforts that study topics like chronic pain, how people use their wearable devices, and sleep patterns. 

We've partnered with healthcare and life sciences companies to launch large-scale research programs that look at type 2 diabetes, heart disease, the flu, Alzheimer’s Disease, and most recently COVID-19, to name a few.

With over 77 research publications, we’d like to highlight two notable studies to give you a better idea of the impact our members have when they decide to participate in a study.

DiSCover Program (Digital Signals in Chronic Pain)

About 50 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain. 

In 2018, Evidation launched the DiSCover Program, a study designed to help us gain a better understanding of what it’s like to live with this condition. More than 10,000 members participated in the program over the course of a year. 

We looked at patterns in activity levels and asked participants to take daily surveys in order to get a better understanding of the day-to-day impact of living with chronic pain. 

Here’s what we learned from these participants:

• Chronic pain had an impact on participants’ physical activity. On average, they were about 25% less active than those without chronic pain.
• Chronic pain affected participants with many different conditions (for example, fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis, etc.).
• To manage their pain, participants used a wide range of treatment options from over-the-counter pain medications and prescription opioid medications to meditation apps, medical marijuana, and acupuncture treatment.
• Participants with chronic pain reported lower quality of life and had higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms than those without chronic pain. 

Through their participation, these study participants helped our researchers understand their lived experiences with chronic pain.

COVID Signals Study

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Evidation and our study partners launched the COVID Signals Study.

Over 800 individuals who were at higher risk of getting COVID-19 (for example, doctors, nurses, and first responders) joined the study. They provided data from wearables, lab tests, and surveys for over 3 months. 

Together, these participants completed: 

• 59,485 daily surveys 
• 7,571 weekly and monthly surveys
• 6,328 weekly COVID-19 test kits
• 841 final surveys

This information is helping us explore if there are ways to predict when someone might be sick, and what their recovery might look like. 

How can I learn more?

These are just a couple examples of how participants like you make research possible. As a result, individuals living with conditions like chronic pain, COVID-19, and others can potentially benefit from this new research. 

Want to know more about any of our Evidation Studies and how to get involved? Check out How to Get Involved in Evidation Studies, or reach out to us at study@evidation.com and one of our friendly team members can help you get started. 

If you want additional general information on health research, we recommend checking out the following public resources: 

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections
• FDA, Clinical Trials and Human Subject Protection
• National Institutes of Health (NIH), Educational Resources
• Clinical Research Resource HUB, Resources for Participants

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More than 8 million people in the US have psoriasis.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month - the perfect time to emphasize the importance of educating, spreading awareness, and working toward a shared goal of finding a cure for this common condition.

‍What exactly is psoriasis? 

‍What sort of symptoms are common with this condition?

‍How is someone diagnosed? 

‍And what are some of the treatment options available?

In today’s article, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about psoriasis, so you can educate, spread awareness, and most importantly, participate during this month of awareness. Keep reading to learn more!

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a disease that affects the skin, creating itchy and scaly-like patches. It most commonly affects the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. 

It occurs when skin cells grow faster than usual. There’s no known reason for why this happens, but it’s presumed it’s caused by a problem with the immune system. The theory is that cells that fight off infections mistakenly begin to attack healthy skin cells.

Psoriasis is a long-term, fairly common condition. And at the moment, there’s no cure. 

‍But that’s one of the many reasons awareness is so important.

Psoriasis can be painful, making it hard to concentrate or even get a good night's rest. It's clear psoriasis has a physical impact on our health, but it can also affect us emotionally. It can cause an increased risk of anxiety and depression. And people with psoriasis may also feel the need to cover their skin and altogether avoid social interactions during a flare-up. 

The disease can go through cycles. It can flare for a few weeks or months, and then subside. And certain things may trigger a psoriasis breakout such as cuts, infections, burns, and even certain medications.

Symptoms and diagnoses

Some common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Itching
• Burning 
• Soreness
• Dry and cracked skin that may bleed
• Rashes that flare for a few weeks or months and then subside
• A variety of different colored rashes. On dark skin they may appear purple with scales of gray, while on light skin they can be pink or red with silver scaling
• A patchy rash that varies in how it looks from person to person, it can range from small spots of dandruff-like scaling to major cases that cover most of the body

These are just some of the general symptoms. There are many different forms of psoriasis, and because of this, the skin condition can vary in its signs and symptoms. 

Some different forms of psoriasis include: 

• Plaque psoriasis - this is the most common form of psoriasis. It causes raised skin patches that are dry and itchy. Usually appearing on the elbows, scalp, lower back, and knees. There can be an eruption of many, or just a few.
• Nail psoriasis - this skin condition solely affects the finger and toenails. Creating pitting, discolorations, and abnormal nail growth.
• Guttate psoriasis - young adults and children are primarily affected by this form of psoriasis. It’s identified by small drop-shaped scaling spots on the legs, arms, or trunk. And it’s usually triggered by some form of bacteria such as strep throat.
• Inverse psoriasis - mainly affecting the skin of the buttocks, groin, and breasts. This form of skin disease causes smooth formations of inflamed skin that can worsen from sweat or friction. Fungal infections may be a trigger.  
• Pustular psoriasis - this is a rarer type of psoriasis. It causes pus-filled blisters and can occur in small patches or widespread formations. One form is found primarily on the palms of your hand or soles of your feet.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis - this is the least common form. It creates a peeling rash that can cover the entire body. It may itch or burn intensely, and those affected by it could experience it for short or long-term periods of time. 

Understanding the symptoms can help you take proper action to get a diagnosis. 

A health care provider will examine your skin, nails, and scalp and ask questions about your health in order to diagnose the issue. 

In some cases, they might take a small sample of skin for more examination under a microscope. Doing this can help rule out other disorders and determine the specific type of psoriasis someone might be experiencing. 

Treatment options

What are the treatment options available?

There are a variety of treatments for psoriasis. Some of which include:

• Light therapy 
• Topical therapy
• Alternative therapies
• Oral or injected medications

Some different forms of topical therapy include:

• Corticosteroids - this is used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. These are the most commonly prescribed medications. 
• Vitamin D analogues - these synthetic forms of Vitamin D (calcitriol and calcipotriene) work to slow skin growth. They’re sometimes used alone, or with topical corticosteroids.
• Salicylic acid - Shampoos and scalp solutions with salicylic acid help reduce scalp psoriasis scaling. 

Forms of light therapy might include:

• Sunlight - exposure to sunlight might actually help psoriasis.
• UVB broadband - using controlled doses of UVB broadband light from an artificial light source can help treat single patches and widespread psoriasis. It can also help treat psoriasis that isn’t improving from topical solutions.
• Excimer laser - this form of light therapy uses a strong UVB light targeting only the affected skin. Because a more powerful UVB light is used, excimer lasers usually require fewer sessions than traditional phototherapy. 

Some oral and injected medications used to treat psoriasis could include steroids, biologics, retinoids, methotrexate, and more. 

‍Studies also suggest certain alternative medicines not practiced within the traditional forms of Western medicine may help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis. Some of these alternative therapies include Oregon grape, fish oil supplements, and aloe extract cream. 

We suggest consulting with a health care provider if you’re considering using alternative treatments for psoriasis.

Conclusion - How to take part in Psoriasis Awareness Month

‍How can you take part in Psoriasis Awareness Month?

For starters, educating yourself is a crucial step you can take. Building knowledge around the topic allows you to help others and spread awareness. 

You can help others during this time by sharing information about causes, treatment, symptoms, and even certain triggers.

And you can even get more involved by participating in events or donating to causes working toward finding a cure.

‍So what are you waiting for?

Be sure to share this article with your friends, colleagues, and family so you can do your part and help spread awareness around this very common condition.

A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of young adults experience insulin resistance, even without having diabetes. 

Insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes which affects an estimated 84 million Americans aged 18 and older.  

That’s why eating for insulin resistance can be so important. 

‍But what is insulin resistance?

‍How does it develop?

‍What are the symptoms we should look out for?

‍And how can we eat a diet that keeps our blood sugar at healthy levels and helps to improve our insulin resistance?

In today's article, we’ll be answering all these questions. Keep reading to find out more about insulin resistance and certain diet tips to help you deal with it.

What is insulin resistance? How does it develop?

To understand insulin resistance, we first need to take a look at what insulin is.

Insulin is created in the pancreas. It’s a hormone that helps glucose in our blood enter other cells in our muscles, liver, and fat so our bodies can use that glucose for energy. 

‍Glucose is the main sugar found in our blood, and it’s our body’s main source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat, and it’s also produced by our liver when required. 

When glucose levels rise in our blood, the pancreas releases insulin to help glucose enter other cells and aids us in maintaining a normal range of blood glucose levels. Keeping a normal range of glucose is important because high levels can cause damage to our blood vessels, nerves, and even organs. Insulin works to prevent that. 

This explains insulin and why we need it. 

‍But what is insulin resistance, and what causes it? 

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in your muscles, liver, and fat can’t take up glucose from your blood effectively. These cells don’t respond well to insulin. As a result, your pancreas creates more insulin in hopes of offsetting this resistance from your cells.

So long as your pancreas creates enough insulin to counteract your cell's weak response, your blood glucose levels will stay in a healthy range. 

But, if your cells become too resistant to insulin over time, it could lead to elevated blood sugar levels which can cause prediabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes.

‍But, how does insulin resistance actually develop?

It’s still unknown exactly how insulin resistance happens. Some genes have been identified that may cause an increased likelihood of its development, and older aged people might be more susceptible.

It’s thought that excess body fat and a lack of physical activity could be two main contributing factors to insulin resistance.

What are the symptoms of insulin resistance?

If someone has insulin resistance, but their pancreas is still managing to produce enough insulin to counteract the resistance, they won’t have any symptoms.

But if their insulin resistance gets worse with time, they can experience elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Some symptoms of high blood glucose levels include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Slow-healing sores and cuts
• Blurred vision and headaches
• Skin and vaginal infections

It’s important to be aware of common symptoms of high blood sugar levels as it can help you take the proper precautions and get the help and diagnosis you need. 

Diet tips for eating with insulin resistance

Because your diet can affect glucose levels, it’s important to know the foods to avoid and low insulin foods that may be more suitable to include in your diet. 

When adjusting your diet due to insulin resistance, it’s important to reduce the consumption of simple sugars (simple carbs). 

‍Some foods to avoid if you have insulin resistance include: ‍

• Prepackaged and processed foods
• Simple carbohydrates like white rice and white bread
• Foods high in saturated fats like bacon, milk, and sausage
• Foods or drinks with added sugar like juices, sweets, and soda 

It’s recommended that someone experiencing insulin resistance should eat a diet with whole grains and high amounts of non-starchy vegetables and raw fruits.

Non-starchy vegetables are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins and they’re usually low in carbohydrates and sugar making them ideal for someone with insulin resistance.

Fruits are naturally higher in carbohydrates and sugars, but in their whole and raw form, they cause lower blood sugar spikes compared to candy or treats with added refined sugars. They also have plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. 

Some great vegetables and fruits you can add to your diet include:

• Kale
• Plums
• Onions
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Cantaloup
• Asparagus
• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, etc.)

Fruits and vegetables are important components of any diet. But you also need a source of energy. And carbohydrates are a key source of fuel for keeping you going throughout the day.

‍But what are good sources of carbs for someone experiencing insulin resistance?

It’s best to aim to get your source of energy from complex carbs and whole grains. Some examples of whole grains and complex carbs include:

• Quinoa
• Brown rice 
• Buckwheat
• Steel cut oats
• Whole wheat bread

We’ve talked about vegetables, fruits, and carbs - but what are some good sources of protein?

There’s evidence that saturated fats worsen insulin resistance. With this in mind, it’s best to avoid foods with high amounts of saturated fats and get your protein from lean meat sources. If you follow a plant-based diet, certain legumes and beans might be more suitable for you. 

Some good sources of lean protein, legumes, and beans include:

• Trout
• Shrimp
• Lentils
• Poultry
• Lobster
• Scallops 
• Chickpeas
• Egg whites
• Black beans 

Avoiding unhealthy fats and working to ingest healthy fats is also crucial in maintaining a healthy diet with insulin resistance. 

This study found that eating more unsaturated fats in place of saturated fats can improve insulin secretion and resistance and can even lower blood sugar levels.

Some healthy sources of fat include:

• Avocados
• Chia Seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts
• Butters from nuts like peanut butter and almond butter

Closing thoughts - Eating for insulin resistance

With 40 percent of the population dealing with insulin resistance to some degree, understanding what it is and how to eat to manage it is a key to maintaining and living a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you have insulin resistance yourself or have a loved one or coworker who deals with it, we encourage you to share this article with them so they can understand it better and learn the best types of foods to eat and avoid.

Welcome to the next article in our Research 101 series! We're excited to share with you some important information about Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which are essential to the research process. 

If you’ve ever thought about participating in research, you may have had some questions about how the research could affect you. You may have wondered:

• What are the risks and benefits?
• How will my data be used?
• How do I know I am safe?

Researchers care a lot about providing a safe and ethical study experience. One way we do this is by submitting our research protocols to an Institutional Review Board (IRB). 

What is an IRB?

An IRB is a review board designed to protect the rights and well-being of research participants. It acts as a system of checks and balances for any research involving people. 

IRBs work to ensure the following: 

• Research studies have scientific merit and purpose 
• The activities involved in the research are ethical 
• All regulatory requirements are followed 

Every IRB has at least five members with different backgrounds. The members may have training in scientific areas, have expertise and training in non-scientific areas, or be members of the community who may represent the people who would participate in the research study.

IRBs are the gatekeepers when it comes to being able to conduct research involving human beings. Without IRB approval, researchers are unable to conduct their research.  

History of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The idea of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed into law the National Research Act. The act led to the creation of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Events such as the Tuskegee Trials and the Willowbrook Experiments, where research was conducted in an improper manner, proved there was a need for unbiased oversight. 

This commission was in charge of identifying the principles that should underlie the conduct of research. They also created guidelines to make sure research is carried out following those principles. In 1979, the commission published "Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research," also known as the Belmont Report. 

The Belmont Report is made up of three core principles:

1. Respect for Persons - Giving people the right and capacity to make their own decisions.
2. Beneficence - Minimizing potential harms and maximizing benefits 
3. Justice - Distributing benefits and risks fairly 

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IRBs were founded on these three basic principles which are still referenced when reviewing research proposals. 

What does the IRB review? 

The people who make up the committee carefully consider the following:

• Are procedures in place to reduce any harm or risks to the participants? 
• Do the benefits outweigh the associated risks?
• Is the selection of participants equitable and fair?
• Are potential participants able and willing to give informed consent?
• Will a participant's consent (or permission) be properly documented? 
• Do the researchers have a plan for monitoring the quality of the study data to ensure participant safety?
• Are there adequate procedures in place to protect the privacy of participants? 
• Will the researchers be able to maintain the privacy of study participants?
• Are there protections in place for vulnerable populations? 
• Does the research meet all regulatory requirements? 

Evidation Studies & IRB Oversight 

Research conducted by the Evidation Studies (formerly Achievement Studies) team often requires approval from an IRB. The decision to have a study approved by an IRB is based on the design of the study and what the researchers will use the results for.

At Evidation Studies, we have a dedicated team of researchers who help oversee the protection of our study participants every step of the way. Even when IRB approval is not required. 

Our study participants can be confident that we’re committed to their safety and that our studies are conducted according to the highest standards. 

Want to know more about any of our Evidation Studies and how to get involved? Reach out to us at study@evidation.com and one of our friendly team members can help you get started. 

If you want additional general information on health research, we recommend checking out the following public resources: 

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections
• FDA, Clinical Trials and Human Subject Protection
• National Institutes of Health (NIH), Educational Resources
• Clinical Research Resource HUB, Resources for Participants

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Nearly 1 in 5 US adults live with some form of mental illness. And the numbers are rising.

Mental illness is a common issue among Americans, but it’s something we can work on by practicing self-care all year round. And during the months of summer, there are a variety of self-care methods we can take part in to boost our mood while enjoying the warm weather.

In today’s article, we’ll be sharing 5 summer self-care tips to boost your mood and mind, all while embracing the sun. Keep reading to learn more. 

Get some sun

Many people struggle with what's known as seasonal depressive disorder (SAD). SAD relates to the change in seasons, many people experience symptoms in the fall and later in the winter months.

And most people affected by SAD live at latitudes far south and far north of the equator where there’s much less sunlight during the fall and winter months.

‍But why?

The reason for this could be that in the darker months of winter and fall people are exposed to less sunlight. The skin produces Vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun, and Vitamin D can help increase serotonin activity.

‍What’s serotonin?

‍And what does serotonin have to do with our mood?

‍Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) that carries messages between your brain and throughout the body. It has several roles, including influencing our memory, learning, and happiness. 

‍Low levels of serotonin may cause depression.

Getting out in the sun may be a great way to not only get more Vitamin D, but it may also help increase the level of serotonin activity within us. Potentially improving our overall mood. 

While getting sun is important, it’s vital to protect yourself from getting a sunburn or heat stroke.

It’s best to protect your skin with sunscreen and reapply every so often throughout the day. Reflective clothing is another great way to keep your skin safe in the sun.

Keeping cool is also important, as spending long amounts of time exposed to the sun could result in heat stroke. Try taking breaks from the sun in the shade and do your best to not over-exert yourself. 

Exercise outdoors

In many places, one of the great things that summer has to offer is the ability to exercise outdoors.

‍Physical activity can:

• Help improve brain health - regular exercise may help improve cognitive function and sleep, and it may reduce depression and anxiety risk and overall improve our quality of life.
• Help manage weight - physical activity can help burn calories, build muscle, and decrease total body fat. This could result in better self-esteem and overall a more positive mood.
• Help improve our ability to do day-to-day tasks - when we improve our overall health, day-to-day tasks become easier. This can lead to a better quality of life and can greatly improve mood and well-being.

When compared to indoor activity, outdoor activity seems to have a greater impact on improving mental health. Studies suggest spending time in natural environments may have a positive impact on well-being.

The combination of mental health benefits from spending time outdoors as well as exercise is something worth taking advantage of.

So instead of going for a run at the gym, take a jog around your neighborhood. Or, try getting involved with some outdoor sports.

Relax outdoors

In one review of research, there’s evidence that spending time outdoors with nature can increase happiness and positive social interactions. It may even help bring a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.

Combining your favorite way of relaxing with spending time outdoors might be an effective way to maximize your self-care this summer.

Different forms of relaxation may have different effects, but relaxation can help us:

• Reduce stress
• Improve sleep quality
• Improve mood and focus
• Reduce anger and frustration
• Reduce muscle tension and chronic pain 

So, what are some of the different ways we can relax outdoors?

It depends on what you like to do, but a few ideas might include:

• Yoga
• Reading
• Meditating
• Breathing techniques 

We encourage you to get outside and take some time to relax and unwind during the summer months!

Take some time off

The summer months are some of the best times to take a break from work.

Whether you decide to go on a vacation outside the country or enjoy the weather in your local area. It’s important to take time off to destress, and physically and mentally recharge.

Some benefits of taking a vacation from work might include:

• Lower stress
• Improved mental health
• Improvement in productivity

Overall, taking time off is important. And summer presents an opportunity for all of us to enjoy a break from work while embracing the warm weather.

Explore nature

As discussed earlier, spending time outdoors may help improve our well-being and happiness.

And exposure to sunlight could help increase the levels of serotonin in the body.

‍But how does exploring nature help?

Just as completing a workout can help us develop confidence, exploring nature may have the same effect. 

You can try taking on a difficult hiking trail, or exploring a new area while paddling. Spending time outdoors and conquering a challenging task can increase your confidence and overall self-belief. 

Closing thoughts - 5 Summer Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mood 

With such a variety of options, summertime may be one of the best times to practice self-care and boost your mood. 

From getting your summer self-care essentials like sunscreen to relaxing outdoors by meditating or reading, there are many options when it comes to self-care in the summer.

And as more research comes to the forefront, we'll have a better understanding of how the sun and nature affect our moods.

Make sure to share this with a friend or family member who could use some self-care tips to boost their mood during the summer!