Summer has a way of shaking us out of our routines, and that can be a good thing. The longer days, warmer weather, and slower pace create a genuine opening to build new habits that can carry you through the rest of the year. Whether you’re looking to move your body more, sharpen your mental health, or simply spend less time on a screen, summer is one of the most natural times to start.

Here’s a closer look at habits worth picking up this season, and some local ways to make them stick.

Move Your Body in Ways That Actually Feel Good

One of the biggest barriers to regular physical activity is motivation. One way to get around this is to design workout routines around exercises you actually enjoy. Not sure what you like? Summer is a great time to try something new.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults, but it also emphasizes that any movement counts. Dance, for instance, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and mood.

If you’ve been curious about dance fitness, Salsarobics at Gorton Center in Lake Forest is a full-body workout set to rhythm. Classes are held every Friday morning with instructor Esther Gutierrez Sloan. You can also explore our calendar of upcoming classes for different dance experiences, including Latin dance and line dancing.

Try a Mind-Body Practice Like Yoga or Tai Chi

Summer’s more relaxed energy makes it an ideal entry point for mind-body practices, which pair physical movement with breathwork and mindfulness. The research here is solid: both yoga and tai chi have been linked to reduced anxiety, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.

Gorton Center offers several options worth checking out:

• Yoga With Areta: A bi-weekly Vinyasa Flow class blending poses, breathwork, and meditation
• Restorative Yoga With Live Guitar & Sound Bath: A gentle, immersive session designed for deep tension release
• Yoga for Grief & Stress Release: For those carrying stress that lives in the body, not just the mind
• Tai Chi: A low-impact Saturday class open to all fitness levels, led by instructor Ken Ning

No prior experience is necessary, so feel free to jump in! Check our class schedule for upcoming dates and times.

Prioritize Hydration and Seasonal Eating

Heat makes hydration non-negotiable, but summer also happens to be the best time of year to eat well. Research consistently ties diets rich in fruits and vegetables – the kind that pile up at farmers’ markets in July and August – to lower rates of chronic disease and better energy levels.

If healthy cooking feels like a chore, learning a few new techniques can change that. Gorton Center’s adult cooking classes offer hands-on sessions throughout the season, ranging from seafood preparation to international flavors. Join us for fun, low-stakes ways to expand your repertoire and actually enjoy what you’re eating.

Protect Your Mental Health With Connection and Creativity

Social isolation is one of the most underrated contributors to poor mental health, and summer’s natural pull toward community is worth leaning into. Strong social connections are linked to longer life expectancy, lower stress levels, and greater resilience.

Creative outlets matter here, too. Taking a class, learning an instrument, or getting on a stage activates parts of the brain associated with reward and well-being. Explore our upcoming events and classes to see how you can boost your creativity or get more involved in your community this summer.

Involve your children, too! This summer, Gorton Drama Studio is producing a full staging of Cinderella, giving kids ages 7–17 the chance to rehearse and perform in a real theater.

Make Sleep a Non-Negotiable

Longer days can quietly erode sleep routines. The Sleep Foundation notes that adults need seven to nine hours per night, and even modest sleep deprivation affects mood, metabolism, and immune function. Cutting screens an hour before bed, keeping a consistent wake time, and winding down with restorative movement, such as yoga or tai chi, can make a real difference.

Enjoy a Healthy Summer Season at Gorton Center

Summer doesn’t demand a complete overhaul. One new class, one habit built around something you actually enjoy, can shift the whole season. Browse Gorton Center’s upcoming classes and events to find something that fits. Gorton Center is a nonprofit center for the arts and a gathering place at the heart of Lake Forest, Illinois. We offer a wide range of classes, professional live music and events, and film screenings for all ages. Help us provide vibrant social experiences and exceptional arts and culture by supporting our work today!

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