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When you hear the word “summer,” you likely think of sunny days and hours spent at the beach. However, with our busy day-to-day lives, many of us feel unprepared when going to the beach. Here are four essentials to ensure you are beach-ready this summer.

Work on your confidence

Many people feel self-conscious when they go to the beach. Thanks to social media, they worry about having a “beach body” and being in impossibly good shape. If left unchecked, these fears put way too much pressure on us. However, it’s still worth getting in shape for the health aspects. A regular work-out schedule and a healthy diet will not only improve your physique, but it will also boost your self-confidence. 

Consider taking fun fitness classes or joining an activity that will get you moving. Swimming is a great option because you exercise, get in shape, and improve your beach-essential swimming skills. For those who haven’t swum in a while, adult swimming lessons are a wonderful idea to get you beach-ready.

Bring plenty of snacks

After hours of swimming or walking along the beach, you are going to get hungry. If you plan on spending a day by the water, bring plenty of snacks with you so you’re prepared when the hunger pains strike. Make sure you bring food that is easy to carry, won’t spoil, and can be eaten without making a mess. Some good snacks include granola bars and other snack bars, trail mix, and pre-made sandwiches (that way you don’t have to deal with making them on the beach). Also, bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. 

Pack the right gear

Another important part of any beach mission is making sure you have the right gear. An absolute must when going to the beach, or anywhere else that will have you in the sun, is to bring sunscreen. Sun safety is extremely important in preventing sun-related damage and skin issues. 

Other seaside essentials include beach towels, a good swimsuit that you feel comfortable in, a first aid kit in case of emergencies, sunglasses, and a bag to put it all in. If you are bringing kids, make sure to have toys like buckets and shovels that they can play with, as well as proper floatation devices to keep them safe.

Make a plan

If the beach is more than a quick walk away from your house, it’s best to go prepared with a plan. Doing this ahead of time can take away a lot of the stress involved with going on a trip. Research your chosen destination and compile a list of activities you would like to do while there. Even if it’s just a day trip, planning ahead cuts out the potential for boredom, stress, or FOMO, allowing you to kick back and enjoy your beach time instead. 

Make sure you have directions to where you are going and know how long it will take you to get there. This will give you a better understanding of how much downtime you have so you can give yourself ample time to do all that you want to do. It is also a good idea to make a list of everything you need to bring with you beforehand so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. If you are staying overnight, book a hotel room so that you have the peace of knowing you have a place to stay.

Many people unnecessarily stress about going on a trip to the beach. By following the tips above, you are sure to be beach-ready and have a relaxing, enjoyable trip.

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