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The warmth of the summer sun is just around the corner! From the feel of the ocean on your toes to the sound of little ones playing outside enjoying the warm weather, summer is a fantastic chance to reset and relax. At Evidation, we're here to help you feel your best, and that includes providing you with expert tips to help you stay safe and healthy this summer. Let's take a look at 10 ways you can boost your wellness in June, July, and August.

1. Sun safety: Tips for protecting your skin

Wearing sunscreen every day is a simple, effective way to protect both the health and the appearance of your skin. Even if you've already been applying SPF as a part of your normal skincare routine, be sure you're also following this expert advice to keep your skin healthy this summer.

• Get the SPF you need. For daily skincare, you'll want to choose sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you're going to be spending time outdoors, you'll want to shoot for an SPF of at least 60.
• Use the correct amount. Most people don't use enough sunscreen, which can lessen your protection against the sun's rays. You'll need to use about an ounce of sunscreen to protect your arms, legs, face, and neck. An ounce of sunscreen is enough to completely cover your palm prior to application.
• Reapplication matters. Experts recommend that you reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating. If you're only spending time indoors, however, reapplication may not be necessary.
• Take additional precautions. While sunscreen is a simple and effective way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, using additional sun protection is a smart move. Sunglasses, protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats can all provide a physical barrier that can work to keep your skin safe.

2. Hydration: Staying cool and hydrated in the heat

Nothing beats a cold glass of water on a hot summer day, and your body will thank you every time you hydrate while you're spending time in the heat. This is especially important when you're exercising outdoors, or when you're spending time in extreme temperatures.

According to Sarah Adler, a performance dietitian with UCLA Health Sports Performance, about 60% of the body is made up of water, and it's super-important that we replenish water lost through sweat during the hot summer months. Adler says that proper hydration is necessary to support brain function, support mood, regulate body temperature, and to keep the digestive system running smoothly.

Not sure how much water you need to drink each day? We get it – there's plenty of conflicting information out there, and it can be hard to pinpoint your exact hydration needs. Adler recommends that people should drink between .5 and 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, and people who are exercising or working in the summer heat should make the 1 ounce per pound guideline their hydration minimum.

"We may need more, we may need less," says Adler. While you should certainly drink when you're thirsty, this isn't always the most reliable indicator that you need to hydrate. For some people, thirst doesn't become apparent until the body has already become dehydrated. Adler says that noting the color of your urine can be a much more accurate way to assess your body's hydration needs – a light, pale yellow color can be a sign that your body is properly hydrated.

3. Healthy eating: Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables

In addition to drinking plenty of water, enjoying hydrating foods can help you feel your best. Produce options loaded with water include lettuce, watermelon, strawberries, bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes.

Enjoying fresh summer produce isn't just great for keeping your body hydrated, however. Many fruits and veggies are in season during the summer months, allowing you to enjoy maximum flavor and maximum nutritional benefits.

While the exact fruits and vegetables that are in season during the summer vary depending on your location, common summer season produce includes:

• Apples
• Artichokes
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Lemons
• Limes
• Peas
• Strawberries

If you're able, summer can be a fantastic time to load your freezer up with produce. Freezing fruits and veggies in-season can give you a delicious treat to enjoy once the weather turns chilly in a few months.

4. Exercise: Fun and fitness in the sun

It feels great to get out and enjoy exercise in the summer, but it's important that you take precautions to stay safe in the heat. It can be easy to overdo it, and you may not notice signs of struggle until your body is already in the throes of a health issue.

Follow these tips from the American Heart Association in order to prioritize your safety while exercising in the summer:

• Consider your timing. If possible, you'll want to exercise in the morning or evening. Summer days tend to be the hottest between noon and 3 pm, so avoid exercising outdoors during these hours if you can.
• Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're hitting the road or the trails, bring water with you, or plan for water stops along your route. If you're exercising in especially hot temperatures, or you're going to be working out for more than an hour, you'll also need to replenish electrolytes (packing a banana can be a good idea to give your body what it needs in addition to water).
• Don't push it. We're all for encouraging you to go the extra mile, but if your body is telling you that something feels off, listen. It can take time to adapt to the heat (up to two weeks). If it's hotter than you're used to, you may not be able to work out as hard or for as long as normal. There's nothing wrong with this – take breaks, spend time in the shade, and call it quits early if necessary.

5. Allergy management: Coping with seasonal allergies

Sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes – seasonal allergies can make it tough to fully enjoy summer. When your body has an allergic response to environmental irritants, you may also feel tired and sluggish.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options to manage seasonal allergies that can help you enjoy all that the warm months have to offer. Over-the-counter options like saline rinses, eye drops, and antihistamine sprays may be all that you need to soothe occasional seasonal allergies.

If you find that your seasonal allergies are interfering with your daily life, it's a smart move to make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss prescription options that can support your health.

In addition to medication, there are lifestyle modifications you can make to lessen the effect of seasonal allergies, including:

• Invest in an air purifier. No matter how clean you keep your home, it's impossible to keep it free of all allergens, especially those that you track in on your shoes and clothes. Running an air filter can help remove allergens from the air in your home, providing symptom relief.
• Shower after spending time outdoors. While it may not be practical to shower every time you leave the house, taking a shower when you notice your allergy symptoms are acting up can be helpful, as it physically removes pollen and other allergens from your hair and body.
• Check the pollen count. Taking a look at the pollen count in your area can help you decide whether it makes sense to spend more time indoors or outdoors. When you notice that the pollen count is especially high, you may want to take over-the-counter allergy medication proactively (if you're not already using a daily medication prescribed by your doctor).

6. Sleep hygiene: Tips for quality sleep during hot nights

It can be tough to get high-quality sleep when your area is in the midst of a heat wave. Thankfully, there are some tricks you can try to get the rest you need when the temperatures outside are sweltering.

• Hydrate early. Keeping your body hydrated can make it easier to sleep on a hot night, but it's important that you stop drinking water early enough that you won't be running to the bathroom all night. For most people, finishing up water an hour or two before bed works well.
• Skip the cocktails. The damage of booze in hot weather is twofold: alcohol dehydrates your body, and makes it more likely that you'll experience night sweats. On super-hot days and evenings, it's a good idea to forgo the booze in favor of a more hydrating beverage.
• Exercise early. Getting plenty of physical activity can make it easier for you to fall asleep. During a heat wave, however, it's a good idea to get your workout in early. Exercising too close to bedtime can make it difficult for your body to cool down. Getting your workout in as soon as you wake up – during the cooler hours of the morning – can be a good idea.

7. Mental health: Stress management and relaxation techniques

Summer is associated with kicking back and relaxing, but this doesn't mean that your self-care practices can take a backseat. For many, summer brings new and different schedules, increased family gatherings, and social obligations that can bring stress.

Setting boundaries can be key to protecting your mental health during the summer. Between kids' sports schedules, vacations, filling in for others at work, and social obligations, it can be tough to find time for yourself. Keep a calendar just like you do during other times of the year, and don't be afraid to say no when things begin to look too busy.

Immersing yourself in nature can also be helpful for relieving summer stress. According to Harvard Health, spending as little as 20 minutes in nature can lower stress levels. Enjoying a hike, swim, or yoga class outdoors can help your mind relax and reset, no matter how busy your schedule gets.

As always, don't be afraid to reach out for professional help if you're struggling. Talking with a counselor, therapist, or other licensed mental health professional can provide you with the support you need to feel your best.

8. Safety precautions: Preventing heat-related illnesses

While children, seniors, people who live with obesity, and people who are physically ill are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses, anyone can fall victim to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and more. Taking precautions to keep yourself healthy in hot weather can help you rest assured that you and those you care about are enjoying the sun safely.

Important heat-related illness prevention tips include:

• Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible. Spending time in air conditioning can help your body get relief from the heat. If you don't have air conditioning in your home, spending time in a mall, community center, or public library can help.
• Slow down. When temperatures spike, move your workouts indoors, or schedule them for early in the morning or during the evening hours.
• Avoid hot foods: While burgers and corn are delicious straight off of the grill, eating hot foods and drinks can make it tough for your body to cool down. On especially hot days, opt for salads, smoothies, cold sandwiches, and other heat-free options.

9. Travel health: Staying healthy on summer vacations

There's not much that feels worse than getting sick on vacation, and taking some precautions to help you stay healthy when you're enjoying a getaway can be well worth the extra effort.

• Talking with your doctor before going on a long trip – especially if you're traveling overseas – is a smart move. Your physician will talk with you about any vaccines or medications you'll need to stay safe, and can discuss whether you should make an appointment to check in upon your return.
• Get rest. Traveling is taxing, and traveling to a different time zone can do a number on your well-being. Rest when you're feeling tired, and give yourself time to adjust to a different pace.
• Stay hydrated. We said it earlier, and we'll say it again – water matters. When you're traveling, drink plenty of water (and be sure to check whether you need to opt for bottled water if you're in a new location).

10. Use Evidation to track your health during summer

Tracking your health data can provide you with valuable insights into what your body needs, and at Evidation, we're here to help. With your permission, the Evidation app safely and privately uses the health data you're already gathering to provide you with the information you need to support your health. Bonus: with your OK, we're also able to use your health data to inform medical studies, allowing you to effortlessly contribute to a healthier world.

Evidation is built upon a foundation of privacy, and we adhere to an opt-in model. That means:

You control who sees your data—or doesn’t

You give consent every time there’s a request for your data

Get started with Evidation today

At Evidation, we're excited to partner with you to help you get the most out of your health data by providing personalized articles and insights that can help you feel your best. No matter where you're at on your health and fitness journey, we'll be by your side, every step of the way. Learn more about how Evidation works and download the app today.

The warm breezes of summer are just around the corner, and it's time to update your roster of healthy summer meal ideas! Choosing produce-heavy meals reaps myriad benefits in the summer. With fruits and veggies at peak freshness, there's no better time to enjoy all that nature has to offer when it comes to produce. In addition to high levels of nutrients, summer fruits and veggies are often high in water, which can make it easier to stay hydrated in high temperatures.

Here, we'll take a look at healthy, fresh meal ideas that will keep you enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This veggie-packed summer salad recipe from Cookie and Kate is a perfect way to load up on nutrients and flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

You'll need:

• ⅓ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed (or 1 cup cooked quinoa)
• 1 small eggplant (about ¾ pound), diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small yellow squash (or another zucchini), diced
• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste (about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
• ½ cup halved grape tomatoes (quarter any larger tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• For garnish: crumbled feta, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Divide the eggplant, zucchini and yellow squash between the two baking sheets. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss. Add a little more if necessary; you want enough to lightly coat the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until the veggies are softened and beginning to brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Set the roasted vegetables aside to cool.

3. To cook the quinoa, combine the uncooked quinoa with ⅔ cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let the quinoa steam with the lid on for 5 minutes. Remove lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.

4. To toast the pine nuts, cook them in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 to 10 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Citrus-marinated grilled chicken

In this recipe from Epicurious, the flavors of garlic, shallots, and fresh lemon and lime juice meld to create a brightly flavored, protein-packed dinner.

You'll need:

• 2 large shallots, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely grated
• ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill
• ¼ cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb.)

Instructions:

1. Whisk 2 large shallots, finely chopped, 4 garlic cloves, finely grated, ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar, 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. sugar, and ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl to combine. Set ⅓ cup marinade aside.

2. Arrange 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb.) in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over chicken and turn to coat. Cover dish and chill, turning chicken halfway through, at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

3. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; oil grate. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip back into dish; discard marinade in dish. Grill chicken, turning halfway through, until cooked through and blackened grill marks appear, 10–14 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

4. Serve chicken with reserved marinade spooned over.

Creamy Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup

Craving the comfort of soup, but struggling to enjoy anything warm when the temperature keeps creeping up? This soup recipe from It's a Veg World After All will cool you off and fill you up with healthy monounsaturated fats.

You'll need:

• 1 large cucumber peeled and chopped into a few pieces
• 1 avocado
• 1 jalapeno trimmed and deseeded
• ½ lemon juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro use ¼ cup for more flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pineapple for serving
• ½ cup chopped cucumber for serving

Instructions:

1. Combine the cucumber, avocado flesh, jalapeno, lemon juice, cilantro, salt, and ½ cup water in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed. Taste, and adjust seasonings as desired.

2. Chill the soup for at least an hour (preferably 2 or more) in the fridge before serving. Serve with chopped pineapple and cucumber.

Watermelon, feta, and mint salad

The combination of watermelon and feta can be surprising, but trust us – you'll want to give it a try. This recipe from Serious Eats combines perfectly ripe summer watermelon with the saltiness of crumbled feta and the brightness of mint to keep you coming back for more.

You'll need:

• 3 pounds seedless watermelon (about 1 small or 1/4 large), rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 2 pounds/1 kg chunks after rind is discarded)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) juice from 1 lemon, plus 4 (2-inch) strips zest, removed with a sharp vegetable peeler
• 1/4 cup (10g) roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Up to 4 ounces (1 quart) arugula leaves (optional; see notes)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces (110g) feta cheese (see notes)

Instructions:

1. Place watermelon chunks in a large bowl. Finely chop lemon zest. Add lemon juice and half of zest to bowl with watermelon. Add mint, oil, and arugula (if using) and toss until watermelon is evenly dressed. Season lightly to taste with salt and pepper. (The cheese will add saltiness, so go light on the salt at this stage.)

2. Transfer salad to a wide, shallow bowl or a large plate and spread out evenly. Crumble feta over the top. Sprinkle with remaining lemon zest. Drizzle with more olive oil and a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Pesto zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes

Close your eyes while you're enjoying this pasta alternative recipe from Eating European–you just might be able to convince yourself that you're relaxing in your Italian villa while enjoying the sights and sounds of your vineyard.

You'll need:

• 2 zucchinis
• 2 tablespoons of store-bought pesto 
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
• 1 tablespoon shaved Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Using a spiral vegetable cutter create thin ribbons from zucchinis

2. Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet

3. Add tomatoes and cook for 1 minute

4. Add pesto

5. Add zucchinis, season with salt, pepper and mix well

6. Cook for 2 minutes

7. Remove from the heat and shave some Parmesan on top. Serve immediately.

Tropical smoothie bowl

With in-season fresh fruit, you'll get a super-charged bowl of nutrients that prepares you to sail through the morning with this recipe from Simple Green Smoothies. For an extra boost, click the link below to get a recipe for homemade protein powder that will help keep you full until lunch.

You’ll need:

• 1 orange peeled
• 1 ½ cups strawberries frozen
• ½ cup mango frozen
• ¼ cup water optional
• 1 serving homemade protein powder (optional)

Topping options: 

• blueberries
• raspberries
• coconut flakes
• strawberries
• kiwi
• granola

Instructions:

1. Place orange in blender followed by the frozen strawberries and mango.

2. Blend, stopping to scrape down sides, until smooth. Feel free to add water to help it blend, yet you want it to be thick. The texture should be similar to soft serve ice cream.

3. Transfer to a bowl and top with desired toppings.

Mediterranean chickpea salad

This perfectly fresh summer salad from Downshiftology with Lisa Bryan offers savory feta, a punchy lemon vinaigrette, and the crisp crunch of cucumber, bell peppers, and red onions.

You'll need:

For salad:

• 2 (15-ounce cans) chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 large cucumber diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• ¼ cup red onion diced
• 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley

For dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon honey, or maple syrup
• 1 garlic cloves, minced
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss all of the salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add dressing ingredients to small bowl, whisk until combined.

2. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and give it a gentle stir until well combined.

Grilled fish tacos with mango salsa

There's nothing that says summer like grilled fish with a kick of citrus and jalapeno – we're sure that this recipe from Sweet Tea and Thyme will become a regular in your summer dinner rotation.

You'll Need:

For salsa: 

• 2 cups ripe mango small diced
• 3 roma tomatoes deseeded and small diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper deseeded and small diced
• 1 small red onion small diced
• ½ cup cilantro finely chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼-½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste

For spice blend:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

For tacos: 

• 3 lean white fish filets like cod, mahi-mahi, snapper, or halibut
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• Corn Tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix together mango salsa ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl. Set aside. This can be made a day ahead.

2. Mix spice blend ingredients in a small bowl, set aside.

3. Cover the white fish in vegetable oil with a pastry brush, then generously season the filets with the spice blend on all sides.

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (you can also do this on a grill pan on the stove top).

5. Use a heat-safe silicone brush to cover the clean grill grates with a high heat oil (more vegetable oil works here) and carefully place the fish onto the grill. Cook on each side for 4 minutes, flipping once. Set aside

6. Warm the tortillas on the grill or a plancha on the grill for 45 seconds on each side, remove to a tortilla warmer or plate and cover the tortillas with a damp paper towel.

7. Let the fish rest for a couple of minutes before gently using a fork to break them apart into big chunks. Pour lime juice over the fish.

8. Serve on the grilled tortillas with mango salsa and other toppings.

Caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms

Mushrooms have been shown to decrease the risk of cancer, protect brain health, and support a healthy immune system – what's not to love? In this recipe from Cafe Delites, you'll enjoy mushrooms infused with rich garlic butter, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a decadent balsamic glaze.

You'll need:

Garlic butter:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Mushrooms:

• 5-6 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed, washed and dried thoroughly with a paper towel
• 5-6 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, sliced thinly
• 1 cup grape, (or cherry) tomatoes, sliced thinly
• fresh basil, shredded to garnish

Balsamic Glaze: (or you can use store-bought)

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)

Berry and spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette

This stunning salad looks gorgeous, tastes fantastic, and is the perfect choice for entertaining. We recommend following the Allrecipes recommendation to top your salad with roasted nuts for an extra crunch!

You'll need:

• 1 bunch fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• ½ cup raw pecans
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup olive oil
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine spinach, strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, and pecans in a large bowl.

2. Stir together balsamic vinegar and honey in a medium bowl; slowly stream in olive oil while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Drizzle dressing over spinach mixture just before serving.

Evidation: Here to help you feel your best, no matter the season

At Evidation, it's our job to help you feel your best, one healthy decision at a time. Our app uses the health data you agree to share to create personalized insights, advice, and articles that can give you the information you need for your well-being. We believe in equipping you with the information you need to make decisions that empower you to support your own well-being. Click here to learn more and download the app today.

At Evidation, it's our job to help you take care of your mind and body—and that includes your body's largest organ, the skin. From eating plenty of skin-smart foods to getting the water that you need, Evidation can help you take the steps necessary to create a natural glow, and integrating skincare tips into your Evidation experience can help you take great care of your skin all year round.

Beaming UV rays and high humidity levels in the summer can wreak havoc on your skin. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to maintain great skin health throughout the warmer months. Here, we'll take a look at how you can take care of your skin while enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Sun Safety

You already know that staying safe in the sun is key for protecting your skin from cancer, but the benefits of proper summer skincare don't stop there. Applying sunscreen effectively and regularly can also help save you from painful sunburns, and can reduce the signs of aging that are exacerbated by exposure to the sun.

Try these tips to keep your skin healthy in the summer sun:

• Apply sunscreen often. Dermatologists recommend that you apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least every two hours. Reapplication is especially key if you're swimming or sweating, and yes—you need sunscreen even when it's cloudy outside.
• Avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm. The sun is at its strongest during these hours. Opt to stay inside (or at least in the shade) if possible.
• Cool off. After enjoying a day in the sun, take a cool shower and wash off any remaining sweat and sunscreen. In the event that you do get sunburned, it's a good idea to apply aloe vera gel while your skin moves through the healing process.

Hydration and moisturization strategies

Hydration is already a part of your self-care routine, and if you're already using Evidation, you likely take advantage of our reminders to drink up. In the summer, hydration and moisturization are key to helping your skin stay healthy.

Men should drink at least 104 ounces of water each day, and women should drink at least 72 ounces. If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, exercising heavily, are pregnant, or have other health conditions, you may need more water to keep your skin healthy. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning and continuing to sip throughout the day can be a smart way to stay on top of your hydration goals.

Moisturization is key in the hot summer months. If you're currently using a heavy moisturizing cream, switching to a light lotion can be a smart way to hydrate your skin and stay comfortable.

Gentle cleansing techniques

The sweat, sunscreen, and humidity of summer may mean that you need to wash your face more often than normal in order to feel comfortable. Using foaming or gel-based cleansers (paired with a light moisturizer) can help you effectively clean your skin without stripping away your natural protective oils.

Incorporating antioxidants into skincare

Antioxidants help to slow the skin's natural aging process, and can be especially helpful in the summer months. Many people find that incorporating antioxidants into their skincare routines can help to lessen the appearance of loose skin, blotches, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Antioxidants to look for in your skincare routine include:

• Vitamin C
• Resveratrol
• Niacinamide
• Retinol (vitamin A)
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin E
• Polyphenols

Using cooling ingredients and products

After a day in the heat, there's not much that feels better than going through a skincare routine loaded with cooling products. While cooling products don't actually reduce the temperature of the skin, they do affect the nerves responsible for messaging temperature changes to the brain. This means that you get fast, effective relief the moment your cooling products hit your skin.

Skincare ingredients that can help you beat the heat include:

• Cucumber
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Aloe vera
• Menthol

Pro tip: If you can, stow your skincare products in the fridge. You'll get a de-puffing effect that feels fantastic.

Managing sweat and oil production

One of the best parts of summer is exercising outdoors, but working up a sweat in the sun may not be great for your skin. If you have oily skin, or spend a lot of time sweating outdoors, it's important to take steps to combat breakouts caused by sweat and oil.

Changing out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible can help, as can choosing lightweight cotton clothing. If you wear a hat to protect your face from the sun when you're outdoors (smart!), be sure to wash it regularly. You'll also want to pay attention to potential breakout triggers. For some people, the combination of summer sweat and chlorine, saltwater, and/or sand can cause skin problems.

Addressing specific skin concerns for summer

Some skin issues, like acne, may occur more frequently or with more severity in the summer. Some common hot-weather skin issues and solutions include:

• Acne: When you're done exercising, blot sweat away with a clean towel. Wash headbands and towels every time you use them.
• Dry skin: Consider turning off the AC at night, as it can dry out your skin. Turn down the temperature of your showers or baths to help your skin retain moisture.
• Heat rash: Blocked sweat glands can cause heat to build up in your body, resulting in a prickly-feeling rash. Wearing loose-fitting clothes and staying indoors when it's especially hot outside can help.
• Melasma: A condition that causes some areas of the skin to appear darker, melasma often gets worse with sun exposure. Be sure to use fragrance-free sunscreen, as fragrance may cause melasma to darken.

If you're having persistent summer skin issues that don't respond to home remedies, reach out to your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Evidation: Helping You Glow All Summer Long

At Evidation, we use the health data you're already tracking (with your permission) to provide you with the personalized information and insights that you need to be your healthiest, happiest self. We'd love to show you what we're all about. Click here to download the app and learn more about how you can get started.

Mosquitoes are pesky little creatures and the bane of everyone who enjoys outdoor living. Besides being annoying when we're cooking outside, taking a hike, or doing other activities, mosquitoes are a vector for several diseases. These include yellow fever, malaria, Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus.

A big part of outdoor safety is repelling mosquitoes. To control mosquitoes in and around your home, you'll have to take a multi-pronged approach. This begins with controlling their breeding sites, but we'll also share some other tips to keep you as mosquito-free as possible.

Eliminate standing water breeding sites

What's the best way to get rid of mosquitoes outside? The first step to preventing a mosquito infestation is to control the sites where they breed. Mosquito larvae develop in standing water. While ponds and containers can attract mosquitoes, the larvae can also thrive in small amounts of water, such as what would fit in a rain gutter or bottle cap.

Mosquitoes love to nest and rest in humid, dark areas. This includes not just standing water containers but also under patio furniture and even inside the garage or carport. If you regularly eliminate any standing water around your yard, you'll go a long way toward mosquito control. Be sure to check all of these areas:

• Used tires in the yard or garage
• Birdbaths
• Puddles
• Tree stumps
• Kiddie pools
• Trash cans
• Rain gutter extension pipes
• Fountains
• Uncovered rain barrels or cisterns

Containers that stay outside need to be emptied and scrubbed on a regular basis. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests doing this once a week. You can treat water features like ponds and fountains with a dissolvable disk available at home improvement stores or online. These disks are toxic for the larvae.

Install protective screens and netting

Barriers are one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. Window screens or mosquito netting are an effective second line of defense after eliminating water breeding sites.

Window screens

To control mosquitoes inside your house, one important step is to make sure you have screens on any windows or doorways you like to open. Window screens can be fixed and attached to the outside of your windows, or you can install roll-up mosquito screens.

For windows and doors that are sometimes opened, use a fine mesh screen with openings too small for mosquitoes to enter. Also, consider screening on your porch or deck. You can choose a permanent solution if you live in a warm climate. However, options are also available for roll-down patio screens.

Traditionally, door screens are a separate door, but we mostly see this type of screen in older homes. If your doors don't have screens, you can opt for a net-like screen that allows people to walk through. This option is a solid mosquito repellent for doorways. Just keep in mind that mosquitoes can enter quickly.

Mosquito netting

Insect netting provides a protective barrier mesh. These nets are typically made of woven polyester. Most of us don't have an indoor mosquito problem. However, some climates struggle with this issue more than others. Mosquito infestation is especially common in warm, humid climates.

If indoor mosquitoes are a concern, try a mosquito net placed around beds. You can also find mosquito nets designed specifically for your needs. For instance, we see door nets, window nets, and bed nets.

Mosquito nets are useful for doorways without screens. Letting fresh air into the home in the spring and summer is an excellent self-care activity. If you have a sliding glass door without a screen, you don't have to forego the pleasure of opening your doors to let fresh air into your home. Find an appropriately sized window net and install it correctly to deter mosquitoes and other insects.

Mosquito netting is particularly useful when you're camping or spending a day outdoors. For example, a large mosquito net or tent net is ideal for draping or placing around a patio table.

Using mosquito repellents and insecticides

According to the CDC, anything with DEET is effective as a mosquito repellent. This chemical doesn't actually kill mosquitoes. Rather, it makes it hard for mosquitoes to smell humans.

While many people see DEET as a harsh chemical, both the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency confirm that using DEET-based spray properly doesn't present a health concern to most people, including children.

Insecticides can be used in most of your outdoor areas. Using larvicides like capsules in water will eliminate mosquito larvae before they become adults. There are EPA-registered mosquito foggers and sprays formulated to spread toxins in outdoor areas.

Employing natural mosquito control methods

Plants

Mosquito infestation in yard areas is a huge problem. In addition to insecticides, there are several natural methods for controlling mosquitoes. To get rid of mosquitoes on porches or other outdoor gathering spots, placing specific plant varieties around your home's high-traffic outdoor areas can help. This might include putting plants around your deck or porch, in window boxes, and along your walkways. Mosquitoes tend to avoid areas where these plants are present:

• Feverfew
• Catnip
• Tulsi (also called holy basil)
• Citrosa (sometimes referred to as citronella plants)
• Lemon thyme
• Rosemary

Oils

A few naturally derived oils can be combined with water to make a natural mosquito repellant spray. These include camphor, peppermint, lemon eucalyptus oil, and citronella oils. Apply the oil and water mixture directly to your skin when going outside.

Specifically, a study conducted by the Journal of Insect Science found both lemon eucalyptus oil and DEET-based products perform well for repelling mosquitoes.

Bug zappers

Mosquito zappers—also called electrocutors—use carbon dioxide and heat to attract and kill harmful mosquitos. Another option is high-tech mosquito traps that use combinations of scent and heat to imitate human targets. This attracts the mosquitoes, and when they fly in, a vacuum built into the unit draws them into a special chamber where they're eliminated and trapped.

Conclusion

We can't allow mosquitoes and other insects to prevent us from enjoying our favorite outdoor summer activities. Proactive steps for protecting yourself and your family against mosquitoes will ensure you're ready to enjoy healthy outdoor living. From repellents such as DEET to natural oils and plants, there's a solution for everyone concerned about controlling mosquitoes around the home, yard, and beyond.

With Evidation, you can participate in health programs, along with receiving personalized content and tips for better health. Download the Evidation app today to learn more about how to track healthy habits.

For generations, breakfast has been heralded as the most important meal of the day, a claim often argued by experts. Whether it's the most important meal may be disputed, but it's a well-established fact that a healthy breakfast can help power us through our most productive and busy days.

Few of us can resist a hot breakfast on a fall or winter day, but summer days require our energy, too. It can be tempting to rush out to enjoy summer days without stopping for breakfast. However, staying nourished and hydrated in summertime is crucial. Loaded with nutrients and bursts of flavor, healthy smoothies are the ideal compromise you need for a quick meal that's also good for you.

Benefits of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast

A healthy breakfast does much more than "break your fast." A nutritious breakfast will give you and your family members the energy you all need to have your most productive and enjoyable days. Here are some of the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast:

• Increased brain power: Children who eat a healthy breakfast before school are shown to perform better, with more alertness, better memory, and improved mood. Those good moods can carry over to summer vacation for both the kiddos and their parents.
• Boosted energy: Food is the fuel our bodies need to do the work they do every day, and that includes summertime fun.
• Essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients: Skipping a meal decreases our chances of getting in those valuable nutrients. Eating a healthy breakfast is an excellent way to get a head start on our daily nutrition.
• Weight control: Studies show that people who regularly eat a healthy breakfast may have a lower BMI and consume less fat during the day. As it turns out, the best smoothies for weight loss can also be filling and satisfying.

Importance of staying hydrated during the summer

The average adult's body is made up of 50-70% water. Maintaining hydration levels by drinking plenty of water is especially important in summer because the excessive heat and busy summer activities can cause us to become dehydrated more quickly. However, we can get our daily hydration from smoothies as well as water.

Instead of calculating daily fluid intake using just water, keep in mind other hydration sources. This can include juices and the water content in milk (dairy or plant-based), along with fruits and vegetables with high water content.

When you stay hydrated, you'll enjoy these benefits:

• Healthy heart habits: Staying adequately hydrated increases overall heart health and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure.
• Weight management: When you stay hydrated, you might find your appetite decreases. Also, drinking more water increases our metabolism.
• Skin health: Our skin consists of approximately 64% water. In the summer, our skin loses a lot of moisture, so staying hydrated is essential to skin health. 

Becoming dehydrated in the summer heat makes for a potentially dangerous situation. Dehydration can result in kidney and urinary problems, cognitive impairment, heatstroke, and other health issues.

Nutritional advantages of smoothies for breakfast

You might think of nutrient-dense smoothies as healthy energy drinks. A smoothie is almost as quick and easy as grabbing an energy drink at a convenience store. But unlike questionable energy drinks loaded with caffeine and sugar, smoothies provide beneficial energy with nutritious foods. For example, a smoothie made with oatmeal is rich in fiber.

Smoothies can also provide healthy fats, as evidenced by the avocado smoothie idea we share below. Looking to add more iron-rich foods to your diet? A smoothie made with spinach as a primary ingredient will fix you right up.

How about protein? Try a smoothie made with an avocado (and enjoy the healthy fat!). Also, a smoothie made with ingredients such as yogurt or peanut butter is an excellent source of protein. Smoothies are even better than the healthiest protein shakes because many smoothie recipes also call for veggies, probiotic foods like yogurt, fiber-rich grains, and fruit.

Recipe ideas for refreshing and healthy summer smoothies

Carrot, Apricot, and Greek Yogurt Smoothie

Give your skin a treat with a silky-smooth smoothie made with apricots and carrots, both of which are rich in beta-carotene. Our bodies convert this important antioxidant into vitamin A. Healthy amounts of vitamin A have the potential to help offset skin aging. Plus, vitamin A helps our skin fight off damage from pollution and UV rays.

For this smoothie, blend together:

• 1/2 Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 2 dried chopped apricots
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pitted and chopped fresh apricot

Pumpkin and Avocado Smoothie

Pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt make this smoothie so perfectly creamy. Adding in a dab of pumpkin pie spice and pure maple syrup will have you dreaming about fall days. The avocado brings healthy fat and even more creaminess. For fiber, we add some flaxseed.

For this smoothie, blend together:

• 7 ounces Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup frozen pureed pumpkin (canned is OK)
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Peanut Butter, Spinach, and Banana Smoothie

It's hard to resist a smoothie made with frozen bananas and peanut butter. Best of all, this recipe also calls for spinach, which gives you your daily dose of dark leafy greens. Probiotic-rich kefir adds a wonderful tang to this tasty morning meal.

For this smoothie, blend together:

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 frozen banana
• Honey for sweetener (optional)

Mocha Protein Smoothie

You don't have to skip coffee in lieu of your breakfast smoothie. This creamy breakfast drink is as decadent as a milkshake. The surprising ingredient in this smoothie is walnuts. Of course, nuts are a great protein source. However, walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats to help protect your heart and fight inflammation. Chocolate protein powder adds even more protein to this rich shake.

For this smoothie, blend together:

• 1 1/2 cup cooled black coffee
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 6 tablespoons chocolate protein powder

Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Smoothie

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast food, and you can even enjoy it in a smoothie. Peaches are one of the delights of summer, and they work beautifully with this smoothie. Use whole-grain oats with prebiotic fiber to increase your gut health.

For this smoothie, blend together:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 cup frozen peaches
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/2 frozen banana

Healthy Smoothies for a Healthy Summer

With these recipes, you're all set to start having summer fun. Best of all, any of the smoothie recipes we've shared here can be customized to your liking and tastes. Feel free to experiment and enjoy creative variations of your own. To learn more about healthy living and how you can earn points for tracking, download the Evidation app today.

The Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) is a measure used in sleep research to gauge the consistency and regularity of a person’s sleep-wake schedule. It’s calculated based on factors such as bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep duration.

Researchers and healthcare professionals use the SRI to assess the quality and stability of an individual’s sleep-wake cycle. Irregular sleep patterns have been associated with various health issues, including mood disorders, impaired cognitive function, and cardiovascular diseases.

A higher SRI means that a person has more consistent or regular sleep patterns, while a lower SRI suggests more variability or irregularity.

Understanding your Sleep Regularity Index can help you make choices that improve your sleep schedule and overall well being. That’s why our team of data scientists went to work to deliver this valuable insight to our members.

How we calculate your sleep regularity index

SRI can be calculated in different ways. Evidation uses the probability that you are in the same state (awake or asleep) at any two times 24 hours apart.

To explain this, we have to get a bit technical. But hang in there, it’s worth it! 

To get the most accurate picture possible, we look at your sleep data to find the time you went to sleep and the time you woke up each day over a 30-day period.

We use that information to figure out the hours you were asleep or awake at the same time on 2 consecutive days (2 days in a row). The following chart is an example of sleep data over 7 days.  Each area from left to right represents 1 hour of 1 day. When the person was asleep, the area is filled in blue.

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For each hour of the day, we calculate how likely you are to be in the same state (awake or asleep) on consecutive days. We then average the values across all hours in the day to get your SRI.

As SRI is just a number, we provide a more detailed view of your sleep patterns through the daily sleep profile. The daily sleep profile is a plot of your likelihood to be asleep throughout the 24 hours of the day. The x axis (the horizontal line) is the time, and the y axis (the vertical line) is how likely you are to be asleep at that time.

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Very simply, the higher the bar, the higher your likelihood to be asleep. The lower the bar, the lower your likelihood to be asleep, in other words, the higher your likelihood to be awake. 

Middle-sized bars are for more “uncertain” times of the day when you’re neither very likely to be asleep nor very likely to be awake. It’s super important to be mindful of these times as this is when your sleep is the most inconsistent.

For many individuals, the daily sleep profile will look somewhat similar:

• it will be close or equal to 100% in the night time, between midnight and 6am, when they’re most likely sleeping 
• it will be close or equal to 0% in the day time, between 9am and 9pm, when they’re most likely awake, going about their day

The most interesting part is what happens between the high probability and low probability zones!

• people who are highly regular sleepers have more “all or nothing” profiles—at a certain hour they go from being awake 100% of the time to asleep 100% of the time 
• other people will have a pretty gradual decrease/increase in probability to be asleep: these are the more irregular sleepers   

It’s important to identify these “uncertain times” where your sleep is not regular. This is where you can work to move towards a more regular sleep schedule. Remember, going to bed and waking up at around the same time each day helps keep you healthy and well rested.

How do I interpret my Sleep Regularity Index?

The Sleep Regularity Index is defined as “the probability for an individual to be in the same state (awake or asleep) at any two times 24 hours apart”. So, if your Sleep Regularity Index is 92, it means that there’s a 92% chance that you’ll be awake or asleep at the same time each day.

Generally speaking, a Sleep Regularity Index in the 90s or above is considered good and healthy.

 How do I get my Sleep Regularity Index?

In order to receive a sleep regularity score from Evidation you must do the following:

1. Use a wearable device that logs sleep and connect it to your Evidation app. Make sure you enable sharing of sleep data when you connect your device.
2. Wear your device while sleeping for at least 20 of the last 30 days. We need to see your observed sleep in order to accurately calculate the Sleep Regularity Index. Too few data points will make our calculations inaccurate.

Click here to learn more about connecting your device.

How often will I get my Sleep Regularity Index?

If you follow the steps above, we’ll send your Sleep Regularity Index to your My Health tab monthly. 

Remember to regularly sync your device with Evidation. This guarantees we’ll have the most accurate information for providing you insights like the Sleep Regularity Index.

Health insights on Evidation

We’re constantly adding new insight types to help our members learn more about their health and take control of their health journey. Keep a look out for additional insight types coming soon. 

Interested in seeing insights like this, but don’t have a device connected yet, Find out which devices are compatible with Evidation and how you can pair your device here. 

Don’t yet have the Evidation app? Download now on iOS or android. 

There's no way around it: being a parent can be devastatingly difficult, especially when your child is struggling. Recognizing, understanding, and addressing mental health issues in children isn't just an important part of your role as a parent – it can literally be life-saving.

Here, we'll explore common mental health issues experienced in adolescence, signs and symptoms that you'll want to keep an eye out for, ways to talk with your teen about their mental health, and how you can help your teen when they're struggling with their emotional and mental well-being.

Understanding common mental health issues in adolescence

In many ways, it's harder than ever to be a teen. Mental health issues are incredibly common in adolescents – it's estimated that nearly half of all teens have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.

There are many factors that contribute to teen mental health issues in today's world, including:

• Academic and athletic pressure
• Bullying
• Lack of coping skills
• Family mental health
• Financial instability
• Gender and sexual orientation
• Inability to access high-quality food, shelter, and health care
• Phone addiction
• Social media
• Relationship and friendship issues

Mental health is individual, and different factors affect adolescents in different ways. In addition to external factors, other issues like temperament, genetics, personality, and sensitivity levels can all affect your teen's mental health.

While it's important to recognize your teen as an individual with a unique mental health situation, it can also be helpful to be aware of some of the most common mental health issues experienced by adolescents.

Common mental health conditions experienced in adolescence include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional-defiant disorder
• Panic attacks
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Major depressive disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Signs and symptoms to watch out for

Knowing what's normal for your child – and being able to notice when they deviate from their mental health norms – can be vital in recognizing problems and helping your child get the support that they need. Biological, social, and intellectual changes that occur naturally during adolescence can make it tough to identify mental health changes, and keeping an open dialogue with your teen can help you identify issues (more on that shortly).

Signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in adolescents can include:

• Loss of interest in social, athletic, and academic activities
• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• Canceling plans with close friends without explanation
• Significant changes to their social group
• New academic struggles
• Constant or near-constant worrying
• Obsession with a goal that leaves little room for other activities
• Signs of drug use, alcohol use, or sexual activity
• Signs of self-harm (many teens attempt to disguise signs of self-harm by wearing long sleeves and long pants)

Effective communication strategies with teens about mental health

Tackling tough topics with teens can feel akin to trying to nail Jell-O to a tree. That being said, practice makes perfect, and remaining persistent in reaching out to your teen to talk about their mental health can help them understand that you care and aren't going anywhere.

A few key tips that can help you keep the lines of communication open with your adolescent include:

• Listen to understand, not to respond. When you're having a conversation with your teen about your concerns, it's important to stay curious while working to learn more about what they're dealing with. Reflecting your teen's feelings back to them to be sure you understand before responding can help your teen feel heard, safe, and understood.
• Don't be afraid to sit in discomfort. When your child is going through a crisis (a breakup, a falling out with a friend, an academic disappointment), don't try to problem-solve in the moment. Instead, sit with them in the discomfort, listen to them as they process their experience, and let them know that you're going to work through the crisis together.
• Normalize your child's experiences. When adolescents go through mental health struggles, they can feel incredibly lonely, and it can be hard for them to believe that anyone has ever been through a similar mental health experience and has come out on the other side. Assuring your child that their feelings are valid, that they're not the first person to feel this way, and allowing them to share openly, without shame or judgment, can help them keep coming back to talk with you about their feelings.

Creating a supportive environment at home

Developing an environment conducive to open communication can help your teen speak up when something goes wrong. Making yourself available to your teen without pushing them to share can create plenty of opportunities for discussion when they feel ready to talk. Positively managing your own emotions (and talking to your teen in an age-appropriate way about your own mental health) can help your teen gain a sense of safety and trust when it comes to discussing difficult issues.

Seeking professional help: when and how

If your teen is thinking about suicide, it's important to get them immediate, nonjudgmental support. Go to your local emergency room, or call or text 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If your teen is dealing with mental health symptoms that are not an emergency, making an appointment with a licensed adolescent therapist or counselor can provide your teen with the support they need. Don't press your teen to share what they've discussed in therapy, unless they want to do so.

Nurturing resilience and coping skills in adolescents

Talking with your teen about self-care can help to bolster their resilience and create the confidence necessary to ask for help. Simply spending time with your teen, following consistent daily routines, and discussing the coping skills that work well for you can help your teen begin to pay attention to the strategies and habits that will work to support their mental health.

You can make a difference for your teen

Researching information about how to support your teen's mental health means that you're already headed in the right direction. Knowing what to look for, keeping an open dialogue, and providing your teen with the personal support and/or professional help that they need can help them develop the coping strategies they need to thrive. At Evidation, we're here to support you and your family's physical and mental health with personalized tips and insights to keep you moving forward – click here to learn more and download the app. Remember, when your child asks for help, it's a sign of strength – not weakness. Celebrating your teen's courage in speaking up about mental health issues can help cement their ability to advocate for themselves.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to fight the stigma and stereotypes that are often associated with mental health struggles. Supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself on your mental well-being and create new routines that can support your mental wellness. At Evidation, our team of experts is here to provide you with easy-to-implement tips and tricks to support your mental health. Here, we'll explore some simple steps you can take to feel your best during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.

1. Seeking support: a sign of strength

If you're living with a mental health issue or simply going through a stressful time in life, you're not alone. Reaching out to a mental health professional is a sign of bravery and strength, and helps you get the support you need to thrive.

Know your baseline

If you've never worked with a therapist or counselor before, today is a great day to start. Even if you don't have any current pressing issues, working with a therapist can help you understand your emotional baseline and discover new ways to cope with stress.

When something feels off, don't wait

When you feel your baseline beginning to waver, it's smart to reach out for support right away. If you notice that you're not coping with emotions well, or you encounter a particularly stressful situation, make an appointment with your counselor or therapist – and don't hesitate to let them know if the situation is urgent.

2. Self-care strategies: Practical tips for stress management and well-being

Taking care of yourself is vital for your mental health, but prioritizing consistent self-care is sometimes easier said than done.

Practice setting boundaries

While it can be hard to say no to people you care about, doing so can be vital for preserving your mental health. Letting friends, family members, and coworkers know that you'd love to help with their request or attend their gathering but are unavailable takes practice, but it gets easier over time. Check out these tips on how to set boundaries with the people you care about.

Stop putting yourself last

You've heard the old adage that you can't pour from an empty cup, and it's the truth: you've got to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. If you feel like you've been overwhelmed at home, at work, or with friends, it may be time to take stock of where some responsibilities can be shared.

3. Mindfulness practices: Cultivating presence and inner peace

Proactive stress management can help you stay centered when tough issues arise. Try adding one or more of these mindfulness practices to your day to bolster your ability to handle whatever life throws your way.

Meditation

You can reap the benefits of meditation with less than five minutes of practice each day. According to meditation expert Vishen Lakhiani, "You can take a one- to three-minute dip into peacefulness, and you can see remarkable results. The biggest benefits are going to happen in the first few minutes."

Unplug

Taking time away from your phone can help you de-stress, disconnect from work, and get better sleep. While it's not often feasible to take a full day away from your phone, taking an hour or two to fully focus on friends, family, or yourself can help you feel centered.

4. Managing emotions: Strategies for emotional well-being

Meeting your feelings head-on can be tough, but doing so can save you from the effects of chronic stress. If you're used to avoiding your feelings, this can be an adjustment. Be kind to yourself if you're working on managing your emotions for the first time, and don't be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or a mental health professional if you need it.

Check in with yourself

Many of us operate on autopilot day in and day out, moving from one part of the schedule to the next with little time to reflect. Creating a few minutes in your day to check in with yourself can be a smart way to stay on top of your emotional needs. Setting a reminder on your phone or smartwatch to take a few minutes to do breathing exercises, take a quiet moment, or write in a journal can help you get in touch with your feelings.

Practice speaking up

If you fall into patterns of people-pleasing or otherwise struggle to stick up for yourself, starting to share your feelings with others can work to validate your emotions. A simple way to get started: answer the question "how are you?" honestly when you feel comfortable. Doing so doesn't just give you the chance to express your emotions – it also gives people close to you the chance to support your needs.

5. Creating healthy habits: Incorporating wellness into daily life

Making time to practice regular healthy habits can go a long way in protecting your mental health and helping you feel your best.

Start small

There's no need for a total lifestyle overhaul – incorporating a few wellness practices into your routine may be all that you need to feel happier and healthier. Going for a 10-minute walk during your lunch break each day can give you time to enjoy some sun and quiet your mind's chatter about your work day. Adding a fruit or vegetable to two meals each day can provide you with the nutrition boost that you need to feel great. Give yourself time to establish one healthy habit before diving into another.

Check-in with your doctor

Depending on your mental and physical health, some wellness practices may carry more weight than others. Talking with your doctor can provide you with insight into what behaviors will best support your well-being. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to a mental health professional, dietitian, or other health care professional who can work with you to help support your well-being.

Set achievable, effort-centered goals

When it comes to mental health, action matters! Setting goals based on effort – rather than results – can be helpful in keeping you encouraged to work on your mental health. For example, committing to talking to a therapist twice a month for the next few months can feel much more realistic than overcoming a lifelong mental health issue in the same period of time. Setting effort-based goals can also help you realize what works well for you when it comes to your mental well-being.

6. Balancing work, life, and self-care

You already know that your workplace can affect your mental health, and it's important that you balance your time at work, at home, and at rest. It can be tough to speak up at work when your workload becomes unfair or unmanageable, but doing so can help you preserve your mental health while you work.

In order to get the support you need to thrive while balancing work, home, and self-care, try these tips.

Speak clearly about your workload

It happens all too often: you take on a position with a manageable workload, and over time, your duties begin to pile up. You find yourself working late, checking your email on weekends, and struggling to figure out how you'll complete all that's expected of you. There's a fine line between being a team player and keeping your sanity, and it's important to talk to your supervisor if you feel that your workload has crossed into dangerous territory. If you're feeling like you've been taking on too much, schedule a time to talk with your boss about solutions.

Remember, explanations aren't always necessary

If you're being asked to go above and beyond the duties of your job at work, with family, or with friends, remember: an explanation isn't always necessary. It can be tempting to bolster a "no" with reasoning, but doing so takes away your power to simply refuse a task.

Some polite ways to decline an invitation or request include:

• I wish I could make that work, but I'm afraid I'm not able to.
• Thanks, but I can't fit that into the schedule today.
• I appreciate the invitation so much, but I already have something else going on this evening.
• Thanks so much for thinking of me, but I can't add anything else to the calendar this week.

Schedule weekly self-care appointments

Life gets busy, and it's all too easy to put yourself on the back burner. Making your self-care a priority can go a long way in helping you feel your best. Self-care isn't all about getting a haircut or enjoying a dinner out with friends (even though those activities can certainly be a part of your self-care routine). Self-care is also about making time to prepare healthy foods, keeping up with regular dentist and doctor appointments, and discovering ways to feel and express your emotions.

7. Nutrition tips for optimal mental health

Just like the rest of your body, your brain requires balanced nutrition in order to maintain optimal health. While it can be easy to let healthy eating go by the wayside when things get stressful, doing so can make it tough to keep stress levels low and utilize effective coping strategies.

Some ways you can use your nutrition to support positive mental health include:

Eat regularly

When you're running from one task on your to-do list to the next, it can be easy to skip a meal, or try to run on caffeine. Some people also find it tempting to skip eating throughout the day, only to enjoy a large dinner immediately before bed. While different eating styles work for different people, it's important to pay attention to what type of eating schedule lets you feel your best. Many people find that eating regularly throughout the day allows them to maintain blood sugar homeostasis, guarding against the mood swings and energy dips that can come with serious blood sugar highs and lows.

Enjoy the rainbow

Ever find yourself stuck in a rut when it comes to the produce in your diet? You're not alone. There's nothing wrong with settling into a routine when it comes to eating well, but adding variety can serve both your physical and mental health. Foods from different color families offer different benefits. For example, red fruits and vegetables are typically high in lycopene, a nutrient that can support healthy brain function. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain compounds that can improve memory and brain health.

Create a weekly menu

Planning your meals in advance can help you get the variety you need in your diet, as well as relieve some of the stress that can come with figuring out what to make for dinner each night. Taking a few moments each weekend to decide what you'll be eating for the week can help make eating well exciting, and knowing what you'll need to prep for the evening can help you get through some of the chopping, slicing, and dicing in advance.

8. Sleep routine for improved mental health

Getting plenty of high-quality sleep is important for maintaining positive mental health, but getting the rest you need to thrive is sometimes easier said than done. Try these sleep-easy tips to help you feel great each morning.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule

While it can be tempting to get some extra shut-eye on the weekends, serious sleeping in can do more harm than good, according to experts. While getting an hour or so of extra sleep isn't likely to do much harm to your brain's Circadian rhythms, adjusting your sleep and wake schedules by more than an hour can throw you off for the work week ahead.

Create the right environment for rest.

Your bedroom should be an oasis of calm, and taking a few simple steps can help set the scene for a fantastic night's sleep. Making your bedroom as dark as possible, de-cluttering your space, and using a white noise machine if you live in an area where nighttime noise is unavoidable can all go a long way in helping you get the rest you need.

Cut back on caffeine

We get it – it can be rough to get through the afternoon without a caffeinated pick-me-up. Enjoying caffeine in the afternoon, however, can wreak havoc on your sleep hygiene. If you're having trouble falling and staying asleep at night, keep the caffeine to morning hours only, or consider switching to decaf altogether.

Evidation: Here to help you track habits to maintain positive mental health

At Evidation, we're here to support all aspects of your well-being, including your mental health. Take your time implementing the tips above, noting what works well for you and what doesn't. Mental health can be complicated, and there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help when you need it. If you aren't using our app yet, we're excited to help you get started. Click here to learn more about Evidation and download the app today.

Most people experience mental health challenges, whether occasionally or frequently. A mental health challenge may present as a small bump on our life journey or manifest as a full-blown crisis. It's important to understand that mental health is about more than just our emotions and happiness. In the world we live in, mental health is a crucial part of how we navigate life.

Why is mental health important? Our mental health has a profound impact on every area of our lives, from personal relationships to finding professional success. Placing emphasis on mental health gives us all a better chance at living our best lives and navigating effectively when life throws us curveballs. Overall life satisfaction and mental well-being are interconnected. Just as we care for our bodies, understanding and caring for our mental health helps us live our best lives.

What is mental health?

Mental health is a state of wellness that helps us cope with life's stresses, realize our potential and abilities, contribute to our communities, and learn well. In addition to psychological well-being, mental health includes our social and emotional well-being as well.

More than simply the absence of mental illnesses, mental health is much more complex. Everyone experiences mental health differently, with varying degrees of distress and difficulty. Equally important, different clinical and social outcomes have an effect on mental health.

Why is mental health important for overall health?

As an integral health component of well-being and overall health, mental health underpins our collective and individual abilities to function at optimal levels. This includes:

• Making decisions
• Handling stress
• Staying active
• Building and improving relationships
• Increasing self-esteem
• Being motivated
• Pursuing educational or professional goals
• Relating to other people
• Thinking more clearly
• Increasing productivity
• Making healthy choices and informed decisions
• Shaping the world we inhabit

What about being physically active and physically healthy? Exercise and physical activity are affected by mental health. Findings show people who exercise have fewer poor mental health days than people who don't exercise. Notably, all types of exercise are associated with decreased mental health problems.

Mental health can also have an impact on diet. When a person has positive mental health, they're more likely to have or make the time to prepare healthy meals for themselves and their families.

Can mental health change over time?

A person's mental health can definitely change over time. These changes depend on a variety of factors that include physical health, life satisfaction, coping abilities, and available resources.

Life circumstances can also affect mental health and add stress to our lives. For example, becoming a caregiver for a family member can affect mental health. Financial hardship also impacts mental health, along with working too many hours. Alternatively, the alleviation of any of these issues can have a positive effect on mental health.

The environment also plays a role in mental health. Seasonal changes can exacerbate mental health issues. For example, seasonal affective disorder is associated with decreased mental health in winter. Many people who live in northern climates experience seasonal affective disorder in the fall or winter.

How mental health can affect other conditions

Why should mental health be taken seriously? There is a clear and proven distinction between mental and physical health. According to The Centers for Disease Control, mental illness can increase our risk for a myriad of physical health problems or impact our ability to manage these serious conditions.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of individuals in the U.S. is significantly affected by serious mental illness. Despite the steady increase in life expectancy among Americans to 78.6 years old, individuals living with severe mental illnesses typically experience a lifespan ranging between 49 and 60 years. 

One contributing factor to this reduced life expectancy among individuals with mental health conditions is the prevalence of suicide, which stands as the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34. Within the general population, suicide ranked as the eleventh leading cause of death in 2021, resulting in the loss of more than 48,100 American lives. 

However, it's important to recognize that poor mental health also exacerbates serious health conditions and chronic diseases, thereby further shortening the lifespan of certain individuals.

If you or someone you know is struggling. Help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is 988. Deaf and hard of hearing people using TTY can reach this hotline by dialing 711, then 988.

Chronic diseases

The mental health discussion should include how mental health affects physical health. NAMI reports a 40% increased risk of heart disease and other metabolic diseases in people with depression. Additionally, people living with chronic diseases such as these are at greater risk for depression:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Cancer

Specifically, a research study suggests people with a chronic disease and depression are prone to experiencing more severe symptoms of both illnesses. The study also indicates that mental illness makes it more challenging to adapt to a chronic disease. 

‌Sleep problems

Most people know sleep can impact our mental health. If we have a restless night or live with insomnia, we're less effective during our waking hours. However, mental health also directly affects healthy sleep.

• Depression: About 75% of people with depression have symptoms of insomnia. As a result, people with depression have the added burden of daytime sleepiness.
• Seasonal affective disorder: Seasonal affective disorder is tied closely to the disruption of a person's circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that controls sleep and several bodily processes. For this reason, people who live with seasonal affective disorder may sleep either too little or too much.
• Anxiety disorders: In the U.S., anxiety disorders affect approximately 20% of adults, and these disorders are strongly associated with problems sleeping. In this situation, sleep problems often become an added source of anxiety, which creates anticipatory anxiety when it's time to go to sleep.
• Bipolar disorder: In bipolar disorder, sleep patterns change frequently, and problems with sleep can worsen or even induce both manic and depressive periods.
• Schizophrenia: People who live with schizophrenia have an increased likelihood of experiencing circadian rhythm disorders or insomnia.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): People with ASD are more likely to experience sleep problems, including sleep-disordered breathing and insomnia.

Concentration problems

Being unable to concentrate affects nearly every aspect of a person's life. Many mental health conditions have an impact on our ability to concentrate. This can create issues in our interpersonal relationships, as well as in school or work. Alternatively, mentally healthy people have an increased chance of fulfilling their potential in these areas.

Substance abuse disorders

Adults in the U.S. who are living with a mental illness have a 33.5% chance of experiencing a substance use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. While this can include illicit or illegal drugs and substances, abuse of legal substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and controlled substances can also have an impact on physical health.

Conclusion

Taking active steps toward improving mental health gives us a head start to living a balanced and fulfilling life. Help and support are available, and mental health can improve with treatments such as therapy and medication. Evidation can help you track and monitor both mental and physical health while also earning points. With Evidation, you're empowered to make the most informed decisions about your mental health and overall well-being. Try Evidation today by downloading the app and getting started on your journey to the best version of you.