By: Ann Marie Rugman, Contributing Blogger
Summer is supposed to be the season when we feel our best. Longer days. More sunshine. More time outside.
And yet somehow many of us still find ourselves feeling tired, overstimulated, dehydrated, and wondering why we stayed up until midnight watching videos of strangers organizing their pantries.
The good news? Feeling more energized doesn't require a complete life overhaul. You don't need a complicated morning routine, a cabinet full of supplements, or a wellness influencer telling you to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to plunge yourself into an ice bath.
In fact, some of the biggest energy boosts come from surprisingly simple habits - getting outside, staying hydrated, moving your body, and occasionally putting your phone down.
Here are seven simple ways to boost your energy and enjoy your summer a little more.
1. Stop Doom Scrolling Before Bed
Let's start with a controversial summer wellness tip: go to bed.
I know. The sun is still out at 8:30 p.m. Someone just texted "drinks?" and suddenly it's Tuesday but everyone is acting like it's still a holiday weekend.
But if you're waking up tired every morning, the solution probably isn't another iced coffee.
Quality sleep affects everything from energy levels and mood to workout performance and recovery. Late-night scrolling can make it harder for your brain to wind down, leaving you feeling less rested even if you technically got enough hours of sleep.
Try putting your phone down 30 minutes earlier than usual and giving your brain a chance to unplug.
Worst case? You get a little extra sleep.
Best case? You wake up feeling like a functioning human being.
2. Take Walks Somewhere New (in your RBX gear, of course)
Walking is one of the most underrated forms of movement.
It's easy, accessible, and a great way to support both physical and mental health. But walking the exact same route every day can start to feel a little automatic.
This summer, challenge yourself to get a little lost.
Try a new neighborhood. Visit a different beach. Find a trail you've never explored.
Your brain loves novelty. New surroundings can help improve focus, reduce stress, and make movement feel more enjoyable. Plus, walking gets your body moving without feeling like a workout.
And honestly, sometimes half the fun is pretending you're on vacation in your own zip code.
3. Hydrate Like You're a Houseplant
Every summer I have the same realization: I don't need more caffeine. I need water.
Dehydration can show up in sneaky ways - fatigue, headaches, brain fog, irritability, and decreased physical performance are all common signs.
Before assuming you're exhausted or need to completely reinvent your life, try drinking a large glass of water (a few times a day).
Staying hydrated helps your body regulate temperature, supports energy production, and keeps everything functioning the way it's supposed to.
It's not glamorous advice. But neither is realizing you've had three coffees and approximately four sips of water all day.
4. Eat Produce While It Actually Tastes Good
One of the biggest scams of winter is convincing ourselves that a January strawberry tastes like a strawberry. It doesn't. Summer is when produce shows off.
Blueberries, peaches, watermelon, tomatoes - they're all at their peak this time of year.
Not only do seasonal fruits and vegetables taste better, but they're packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and water content that can help support hydration and overall wellness.
Nature is basically doing all the work for you. Take advantage of it.
5. Start Your Morning Outside
Before emails. Before social media. Before checking whether the group text exploded overnight.
Go outside.
Even a few minutes of morning sunlight can help support your body's natural circadian rhythm, making it easier to feel alert during the day and sleep better at night.
Take your coffee outside. Walk around the block. Water your plants.
Or just stand in your yard and stare into the distance like you're solving a mystery.
The goal isn't perfection. It's simply getting some fresh air and sunlight before the day gets away from you.
6. Stop Treating Every Weekend Like a Three-Day Vacation
Summer has a funny way of turning normal weekends into endurance sports. Friday plans. Saturday plans. Saturday night plans. Sunday recovery. Monday exhaustion.
While social connection is great for overall wellbeing, constantly being on the go can leave you feeling drained.
You don't need to say yes to every invitation.
Sometimes the most energizing thing you can do is leave a little room in your schedule to recharge. Leave yourself room to have a “no-plan plan.”
A revolutionary concept, I know.
7. Collect More Tiny Adventures
Not every adventure needs a plane ticket.
Some of the best summer memories come from trying something new close to home. A farmers market you've never visited. A new hiking trail. A local coffee shop. The beach you always drive past but never stop at.
Novel experiences help break up routine, boost mood, and keep life interesting. They give your brain something new to engage with, which can be surprisingly energizing.
And fortunately, none of it requires airport security.
The Bottom Line
Feeling more energized this summer doesn't require a complete lifestyle makeover.
It usually comes down to the basics: better sleep, more movement, proper hydration, nutritious foods, and making time for things that help you feel refreshed.
Drink the water. Take the walk. Eat the blueberries. Put your phone down once in a while. The habits aren't flashy.
But they work. Happy Summer!
