If you’re anything like the rest of the world, you’ve been spending the past year mostly inside and in front of a big screen (your T.V.), a medium-sized screen (your laptop), or a small screen (your phone). That’s not healthy in the least bit, but it’s what you had to do to keep yourself and others safe. But now that the COVID vaccine—aka “The Fauci Ouchie—is quickly becoming more and more available across the country, this summer is ramping up to be one that people across the country will never forget. If you’re planning on spending your new freedom outside, make sure to keep these four tips in mind to stay as healthy as possible.

De-Sugar Your Cocktails

Drinking to cope with a global pandemic is so 2020. It’s a new year, and we’re going to be more intentional with our drinking. While we all deserve to have those moments where we throwback shots with reckless abandon, those cocktail nights with your friends are a great time to try out healthier recipes. 

Cocktails are a sneaky source of sugar, and the calories from those “healthy” seltzers start to quickly add up. Switching out the straight sugar and syrups for natural sweeteners like honey can help you cut calories without even noticing a change in taste. If you’re planning on having a few cocktails, clear spirits have fewer calories and make the morning after much more manageable. 

If you like to go out for drinks, most bars have “skinny” options. These are your favorite cocktails but with some low sugar swaps already added into them. A popular option is the skinny margarita, which normally can be packed with sugar. Our favorite Nashville spots for a good margarita are Pacho and Lefty’s Cantina, Walden, and Bartaco.

Try Out a New Sport

Now that you’ve got a brand new microchip embedded in your arm, you’re probably feeling invincible. Take your newfound powers outside, where everything is just a little bit safer—and test out a new sport you may have been too nervous to try pre-pandemic!

Don’t worry if you’re a little more stiff than usual—you’ve been cooped up for a year and are bound to be less than limber. Whether you’re looking to try out swimming, golfing, or frisbee golf, you’ll want to make sure you’re stretched out and that your body is warmed up properly so you don’t hurt yourself. 

Fun in the Sun, Safely

We all know how dangerous tanning beds are—skin cancer is no joke. But don’t worry, we’re not expecting you to stay pasty and pale all summer long. If you’re planning on being out in the sun for long periods of time, whether it’s a rooftop bar or a picnic in the park, you’ll want to stock up on sunscreen. You’ll still be able to develop your glow, but you’ll also be keeping your body safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

We recommend looking into moisturizers or make up foundations that have SPF already added into them. This way you can get that sun protection without even having to think about it!

When it comes to looking bronzed, tanning lotions and foams are also an easy and fast way to get your skin glowing in time for your summer debut without risking sunburn or melanoma. They usually develop in a few hours and can last for around a week before becoming splotchy. Most of them still have that telltale tanning smell, but a quick rinse in the shower and no one will ever know your tan came from a bottle. 

Take Hydration Seriously

It’s surprisingly easy for people to become dehydrated in the summer. But all of those White Claws are actually dehydrating you more than you’d think. Dehydration can give you a headache, make you feel lightheaded, and even put you in the hospital if enough fluids and electrolytes aren’t in your body.

A good rule of thumb when drinking in the heat (or whenever) is to drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume. You’ll still get a solid buzz, and you’ll stay safe while under the sun. If you’re not a water drinker, flavoring your water with fresh fruits or a splash of fruit juice can make staying hydrated easier. Water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, strawberries, pineapples, cucumbers, and tomatoes are great summertime foods and can keep you hydrated (and partying) for longer. 

Have Fun

After a long, stressful year we all deserve to have a little fun and enjoy ourselves. Whether it’s going out to a rooftop bar, taking a mini vacation, soaking up the sun on a backyard patio, or any other summer activity you enjoy, remember to stay safe and consider others as you venture back out into the public. The motto for this next year is to stay healthy and we hope this run-down could give you some easy ways to put it into practice!

Emma is a true digital nomad. She spends her time writing and traveling the globe in pursuit of her next great adventure. From travel guides to career advice, she hopes to help readers see the world as she experiences it—helping others craft a life where they can work hard and play often.