Summer is here! And while you may be thinking about sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing at the beach, it's also a great time to think about staying healthy. Exercise is one of the best ways to stay happy and healthy this summer, so don't forget about it as you plan your lazy day activities. Read on for some reasons why exercise will help your summer be awesome:

Exercise can help you lose or maintain weight

Losing or maintaining weight is a great way to feel more confident in your body. Exercise can help you lose weight, but even if it doesn't, the act of working out will make you feel better about yourself. If you're already at a healthy weight and want to stay there, exercise helps maintain that weight and keep your energy levels up through the summer months.

Exercising can help you sleep better 

A lot of people think that exercising will make them feel tired, but that's not always the case! Exercise actually gives your body a chance to relax, so it's a good idea to do it before bedtime. This is especially true if you're stressed out or feeling anxious about something—exercise will help you release those feelings and get ready for sleep. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (feel-good hormones). This helps improve your mood and make you feel happier overall. On top of that, exercising also helps reduce stress levels by releasing cortisol (the hormone associated with stress). So when you exercise before bedtime, it can actually help reduce anxiety and make it easier for you to fall asleep quickly!

Exercise can help improve your mood

Exercise can help improve your mood because it releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in your brain. Endorphins are chemicals that act as natural painkillers, so when you exercise, they can help to relieve stress and make you feel more relaxed.

Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to clear out the byproducts of stress that build up during the day.

Getting regular exercise can help you focus while studying

It's common for kids and teens to have trouble focusing when they're studying, especially if they're sitting still for long periods of time. Exercise reduces stress and anxiety and gives your brain a chance to refresh itself. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that make you feel good—and those positive feelings can help keep negative thoughts away while you work on an assignment or take an exam!

Exercising is a way to make new friends

When you exercise in groups, you’re also getting the opportunity to make new friends! Exercise will help you find people with similar interests and goals. Maybe they'll even encourage you to accomplish your fitness goals and hold yourself accountable for them!

If you want to stay active in the summer but don't know where to start with planning a workout routine, ask around at the gym or local running stores for advice on how best to prepare for summer activities.

Exercising helps you gain control over your body

Exercise helps you feel more confident and in control of your body. It's no secret that exercise boosts mood, but it also can give you a sense of empowerment. When we work out, our bodies become stronger and more toned. This makes us feel more secure about ourselves, which can give us the confidence to take on other challenges in our lives.

Best way to stay fit this summer

Whether you're looking to lose weight, tone up, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, one of the best ways to do so is by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. It's not as hard as it sounds—here are some great ideas for staying fit this summer:

• Running - If you have a pair of running shoes and like to be outside, running is a great way to burn calories while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Just make sure you warm up before starting out!
• Walking in the park - A brisk walk through your neighborhood park can be just as effective at burning calories as jogging on a treadmill or riding an exercise bike at the gym. Enjoy nature while getting some exercise!
• Bike riding - Riding your bike around town is another excellent way to get some physical activity while enjoying beautiful weather (especially if there's also ice cream involved). If possible, try biking during off-peak hours when traffic isn't so congested; this will help keep things safe for everyone involved!
• Swimming - Swimming is one of the best ways to stay fit this summer because it's low-impact and easy on the joints. It's also a great way to get some exercise without burning too many calories—you can spend hours swimming laps without breaking a sweat, but still, get your heart rate up and your muscles moving! 

• Yoga - If you're looking to get relaxed while staying fit this summer, try yoga! It's an amazing way to work out all of those muscles that don't always get attention during other workouts (like those little ones in your wrists). And if you're worried about looking silly or not knowing what you're doing? Don't be! Just go online and watch some videos—there are tons of them out there with instructions on how to do each pose correctly.

• Hiking - Hiking is an easy way to get outside and enjoy nature. You don't have to worry about traffic or parking (and honestly, sometimes it feels like a lot fewer people are out there). Plus, there's something really special about taking in all of nature's beauty from up high on a mountain. It makes everything seem bigger—the trees look taller; the sky looks bluer; even your problems seem smaller!

Conclusion

In a world where we have so much to do and so many things to choose from, it's easy to become overwhelmed by all of the options. So this summer, why not try something new? Exercise is one of the most effective ways for you to improve both your mental health and physical well-being.

Exercise is also great for your overall mood and happiness! Studies show that people who exercise regularly are less likely to get depressed than those who don't. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of life right now, adding some physical activity into your routine might be just what you need!

So, get off your butt and get moving! Exercise is good for you, and your summer will be so much better if you do it.