Nothing says summer quite like outdoor living! The longer days beckons you to come outside and play. Well it beckons me. As an outdoorsy person I do not need a lot of encouragement to get outside. However, enjoying the outdoors in the heat can be challenging. As I write this post I’m counting down the hours for the sun to fall some more before venturing out to meet up with some friends.
It can be tempting to hide away indoors during the intense summers in the Cayman Islands. While we have year round sunshine, summer comes with its own vibe. I am not sure exactly what it is but I feel more alive during the summer months. Living in Bermuda I would look forward to the first day of summer and hitting the beach. Then it would be a mad dash to squeeze every ounce of fun out of the next three months
A Friends’ Summer
One sure way to forget about the heat is to spend time with friends. Whether its a hanging out with a friend or a group of like minded people. Enjoying great food, cold drinks and spicy conversations will take your mind far away from how hot it is. Even better if this time is spent close to the inviting waters of the Seven Mile Beach. Just jump in! My favourite water activities are boating, snorkeling or hanging at the beach. Overland, when I am not in my garden I’m on my porch holding court with my plant babies or the neighbours.
Staying Fit
I will be the first to admit, this is a big challenge for me. All I want to do is hang out in bikinis and sip cold ones on the beach. Yes, I am that easy. However, for the sake of health and the pursuit of the illusive flat tummy I must perform some exercise. This is best done pre-dawn before the sun comes out. Sometimes it’s a run or a session at the gym. As far as I am concerned, sweating in the summer is a very acceptable look. Glow on! 🙂
When playing sports before 6pm try to keep skin covered from the harsh rays.
Keeping Things Light
Cayman is the capital of casual. This is where flip flops pretty much go with every dress code. Use this to your advantage and keep things light. But choose your clothes carefully. Light breezy full coverage clothing will do more good than less clothes with skin exposed. I recently took the opportunity to stock up on some breezy items locally that are perfect keeping the sweat at bay.
Even when playing sports before 6pm I try to keep my skin covered from the harsh rays. Keeping things light also extends to our meals. Eating smaller light meals during the summer works with our body’s natural response to regulate our body temperature! Perfect time to get into those summer salads, cold soups and fresh fruits and veggies.
Fun Fact: Did you know a whole watermelon only has 47 calories? And more than 91% water?
A bellyful and thirst quencher in one, haha!
A Water Bottle Is Your Best Accessory
Our bodies are made up of about 55-75% water and it goes without saying we need water to survive. It is recommended we drink 8 glasses per day, but I believe we should drink enough to stay hydrated. This will vary from person to person, so you need to know what works for you. Also, if you are struggling to keep up with your water intake, adding fresh lemons or fruit can put a new spin on things. My best advice is to invest in a reusable water bottle and take it with you when you go out. There are many places to fill up and reduce single use plastic while at it.
Looking for another way to maximize water’s potential to stay cool? Yes you guessed it. Jump in! The Cayman Islands is filled with many opportunities to cool off. We have the beautiful seven mile beach, my favourite. There is the water park at Camana Bay, perfect for sitting back and enjoyment during a lunch break. Just want a quick break to get your toes wet? Grab lunch at the park or any beach venue and enjoy a post lunch walk by the water.
In Closing
Summertime is great for being outdoors. Live events, friends events or solo trips to town. It just beacons you to get outside and live. While the heat can be a deterrent, with proper planning you can enjoy the outdoors during the summer. One of my favourites things about Cayman is the water. I do not need an excuse to get in. Just more time! I hope you are enjoyed these simple outdoor living tips.
As always thank you for coming along this journey with me. Practice sun safety and see you next week.
Very cool tips ( pun intended) and enjoyed hearing about your own island lifestyle! Here in Tobago we have the same, so it’s like a window on my life too! 😘
Thanks Wendy. Yes, we cannot let the heat deter us from living our best outdoors life! Hello Hot Girl Summer
I have never been to the Cayman islands, but your post made me think once again that it needs to be on my “must visit list!” I agree that summer living should be light and easy breezy!
Hi Kathy,
I would definitely recommend. Once we reopen to tourism you definitely should consider a quick trip. I feel you would absolutely love The Cayman Brac