Summer always feels like this mix of sunshine, sweat, and trying to stay on top of life while still enjoying it. You too?
I’m running my business, hanging with the kids full-time (a little reading, a little math, lots of friends, beach, pool, outside time), and doing my best to feel good in my body without overcomplicating it.
Lately I’ve been leaning into the tools and habits that help me stay steady ... physically, mentally, and emotionally. Nothing extreme, nothing that takes hours. Just simple things that work.
Here’s what I’m using on repeat right now. Not because they’re trendy, but because they actually help me feel better. And on the couple of things I have a discount link or code for, I'll share that as well.
Vitamin C powder
Not for drinking. I mix it with filtered water, pour it into a small spray bottle, and keep it in our pool bag. I use it post-dip if we aren't getting into the shower right away to help neutralize the chlorine. It costs PENNIES to make a whole spray bottle.
Lumebox (save 43% with this link)
I’ve been using red light therapy for many years, but now that I’m dealing with some newly realized lymphedema, I’ve doubled down. I use it first thing in the morning while I plan ,my day or start to work, in the sauna or anytime I can squeeze it in. I also use to prep skin for sun, heal after too much sun, bug bites, or anything else. And for any aches, pains, over my thyroid, for metabolism, face, hair. I notice better energy, calmer skin, and better recovery when I’m consistent. The Lumebox is my favorite b/c it's potent, 3rd party tested for safety, low EMF and so versatile! I don't need a face mask, scalp cap, etc. etc. Lumebox does it all.
Compression boots
These are a new part of my nighttime routine now. They help with lymph flow, swelling / water retention, facia, soreness, and circulation. I usually use them while catching up with my husband or watching a show together after the kids go to bed.
Vibration plate
I just got this last month as a birthday gift from my bestie and have been standing on it for 5-10 minutes as I'm about to start my workout. It supports lymphatic flow and calms my nervous system without feeling like a chore. Definitely not essential, but surprisingly helpful for me.
My deodorant
I’ve tried almost every “clean” deodorant out there. Most either don’t work or give me a rash (those with baking soda irritate me). This one’s different. It actually works, even in summer, and smells great (with no false fragrances -- I like the grapefruit lemon scent). Con: it's a deodorant "cream" so I apply with my fingers. No biggie. I just wash my hands after.
This sunscreen, and this one, and this one and this one
My current favs. Mineral-based, rub in quickly, no stickiness, no-to-minimal white cast. We're outside a lot and opt for unfiltered sunshine sometimes, shade or clothing cover sometimes and mineral sunscreen other times.
Ponytail hat
Not revolutionary, but it saves me on the days when I need sun protection and still want to wear my hair up. This one’s soft, lightweight, and doesn’t look like a tourist hat. A small win that makes a difference. I have in 4 colors and wear all year long, but 10x more in the Summer. It's great for workouts, BBQs, pool, beach.
Unbun bread
Grain-free, gluten-free, 22g protein and 20g fiber. Doesn’t spike my blood sugar, feels like and tastes like "regular" bread and makes quick meals feel like actual meals. Contains whey protein, so avoid if sensitive.
NMN supplement (code TARAALLENHEALTH15 for 20% off a subscription plus an additional $15 off)
One of the few supplements that noticeably boosts my energy and focus. I use this for mitochondrial support, especially during high-output seasons (like summer with kids home all day). I've been taking NMN on and off for 9-10 years or so. I'm newer to this brand, but love the 3rd party testing and sourcing.
Magnet water balloons
These are just fun. My kids love them, and I don’t have to pick up hundreds of little balloon scraps from the yard. Refillable, reusable, and perfect for quick bursts of outside fun without a big mess. They usually fill up a big cooler or the cold plunge and have a water balloon fight started with friends / neighbors within minutes. We're also having our first block party ever this Summer and these bad boys will be in use then, too!
Cooler bag or cooler backpack (couldn't find the link to ours)
One or both of these come with us EVERYwhere: to the park, the beach, parties, pool, travel, trampoline park. We fill it with waters, electrolytes, veggies, hummus, cheese sticks, grapes, berries, protein snacks, trail mix, sometimes full meals. It’s functional, not bulky, and very useful when you bring a lot of your own food places like we do.
Cold shower blast
Completely free and totally worth it. I end my showers with 60 - 90 seconds of cold water. It helps with circulation, inflammation, immunity, and mental reset. If I feel overwhelmed, it pulls me right back to center. Bonus: you don’t need to prep or clean anything. And yes, it always sucks. HAHA. But worth it.
Breathwork out back
When I can carve out two minutes, I’ll sit on the patio and just breathe. It helps regulate my nervous system, especially when the house feels overstimulating.
Barefoot walks in the yard
Another freebie that works. It’s not a magic cure, but getting outside without shoes, even for a few minutes, does something for my brain. Sometimes I pace while on a client call, coming back to the table to jot down notes as needed (if we've ever spoken on the phone in a professional setting, I've definitely been taking notes!) Sometimes it's while I water the garden, weed or plant something new. Sometimes it's when we have company over and I'm just being the little hippie I was meant to be. Either way, I come back inside better.
That’s the round-up. No pressure to try any of it. But if you’ve been in a weird rhythm this summer and want to feel better without overhauling your entire life, maybe something here will help.
You can take care of your health without turning into a full-time project. You’re allowed to enjoy things that make life smoother without overthinking it. And you never have to purchase anything to start feeling better. Sometimes the free tools are really the most rewarding and powerful.
And if you’ve got something you’ve been loving this summer, hit reply and tell me. I’m always up for adding to my list.
XO,
Tara
P.S. Little shameless plug here: I’ve also been leaning on The Metabolic Edge hard this summer. It’s such a gift not having to overthink my workouts -- they’re already programmed (by past me, which feels like a favor from a smarter version of myself). Less than 45 minutes, full of intention, and actually moving the needle: strength, mobility, balance, deep core, pelvic floor, bone health, and progressive overload without the burnout.
But what I love just as much is the women inside. The community is tight -- supportive, funny, smart, driven. We swap wins, recipes, real-life victories. We hang out live for workshops, Q&As, guest expert talks, and cheer each other on through fat loss, strength gains, lab work wins, even full-on disease reversal stories. It’s the kind of sisterhood that keeps you going -- and reminds you you’re not doing this alone.
If you want to come hang out with us, even if just for the Summer (no contracts -- you can cancel yourself anytime), apply here.