We are a few days away from the official start of summer which means longer days, vacations, get togethers and possibly a more flexible schedule.

But remember that it is important to mentally and physically healthy so you can enjoy these summer days!

Routines may vary with summer events but aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Keep your room cool and shades pulled to help make your sleep more comfortable.

Move your body

Added heat (even if it’s dry heat!) can make exercise uncomfortable in the summer months. Try getting some exercise in the morning hours before the sun is at its peak. Or break up your day and go for shorter walk breaks throughout your day.

Connect with other

Plan something fun with family or friends. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but being social and around others will help keep any negative thoughts from ruminating. If you aren’t feeling like being in a crowded space (street fair, farmers’ market, amusement park), try to call at least one person to stay connected.

Stay hydrated

Aim to drink more than the standard eight glasses a day. And get creative: put some frozen berries in your water or even some mint leaves and lime slices. Opt for snacks with high-water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Wear sunscreen

Look for at least an SPF 30 and wear it all the time! Even if you are just running errands or going for a “short walk,” ultraviolet exposure increases somewhere between four and 10 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level. So at an altitude of 9,000 feet (about equal to Georgetown), UV radiation can be nearly 50 percent more intense than at sea level.