Sampurna Lahiri in Bathing Suit Says "Be Your Own Sunshine"

Bengali actress Sampurna Lahiri is sharing some feel-good thoughts with the return of spring sunshine. Lahiri posted pictures of herself wearing a floral one-piece swimsuit and straw hat, posing by a beautiful pool. “Be your own sunshine ☀️💗,” she captioned the update. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Lahiri stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. Swimming

Those cute swimsuits aren’t just for show—Lahiri enjoys swimming. Water activities are a great way to get low-impact, joint-friendly exercise. “It doesn’t just have to be swimming,” says Erik Van Iterson, PhD, MS, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Cleveland Clinic. “You can take a water aerobics class or water walking in both shallow and deep-water.”

2. Animal Lover

Lahiri loves animals, especially her dog. Studies show bonding with a pet offers many physical and mental health benefits. “Research shows that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, raise blood oxytocin levels, and, in some cases, may reduce direct pain,” according to Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

3. Professional Dancer

Lahiri is an accomplished dancer. “Dancing is accessible to everybody,” says Dr. Lauren Elson from the Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. “People who can’t stand can use the rest of their body while seated, people who have lost movement in their arms can dance with their torso and legs. It’s a way to connect to your own body, to music, and to other people. It just depends on whatever your goals are. But we know that there are so many benefits of dancing — cognitive, physical, and social — that it merits consideration by everybody.”

4. Home Cooking

Lahiri loves to cook at home. “We already know that the more people cook at home, the healthier their diet, the fewer calories they consume, and the less likely they are to be obese or develop type 2 diabetes,” say Monique Tello, MD, MPH, and Rani Polak, MD, Chef, MBA. “A growing body of scientific evidence supports teaching patients how to cook meals at home as an effective medical intervention for improving diet quality, weight loss, and diabetes prevention.”

5. Avid Reader

Lahiri loves sharing the books she is reading on social media. Research shows reading books can help support good mental health. “Reading can be a wonderful (and healthy) escape from the stress of everyday life,” says the University of Minnesota. “Simply by opening a book, you allow yourself to be invited into a literary world that distracts you from your daily stressors.”