Summer is in full swing – but it’s not too late to enjoy the last (hot!) weeks of the season. Here are five tips to help you spend the rest of your summer in a healthy way.
1. Stop stressing about your beach body.
If the words ‘summer’ and ‘body’ leave you in a cold sweat, you’re not alone. It can be hard to enjoy the warm weather when you’re worried about what people are thinking about what you look like in shorts or your swimsuit.
The message sent to us by today’s culture says that you should change something about yourself in order to enjoy the summer months. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. This summer realize that your body is good and deserves respect, so shut out the noise that tells you differently.
2. Get sweaty.
It’s a fact that getting physical exercise reduces stress and boosts your self-esteem. So if you’re combating summer blues, Exercise in a way that is comfortable and energizing. You don’t have to wear yourself, either. Try a new class at your local gym. Or, on those days where the heat is unbearable, jump in the pool for a few laps. Your body will thank you for it!
3. Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Summer heat may leave you craving ice-cream and a cold glass of lemonade. But the best thing to add to your diet during these warm months is some seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Fruits can do a lot more than just make your plate more colorful. Blueberries have been proven to improve memory and help your brain as you age. One study even found that women who eat blueberries regularly can delay their brain aging by almost 3 years! The little berries are also loaded with manganese, which boosts your metabolism and your energy.
Go explore a local farmers market and try some in-season, local fruits and veggies! You’ll be able to support local business and stock up on delicious fruit that is good for you. Check out this list of 23 super fruits to add to your shopping list this week.
4. Step away from your routine for a while.
Summer is the perfect time to escape from social media, work loads, and daily stress. Remember when you were a kid and in school, when summers meant free time and no worries? Make sure to give your mind and body a little break even though you can’t take the whole summer off.
If sun-soaked beaches or mountain tops aren’t an option for you because of work schedules or budgets, don’t worry. You can de-stress with a stay-cation. Check out a local bed and breakfast, go camping for a couple of nights on a free weekend, or take a short drive out to a local festival this summer.
Is your schedule super tight? Consider just having a night in and turning off your electronics. 50% of people will check their work e-mail and social media while away from the desk and on vacation. Take a break from the constant distraction of your phone and power it off for a night of relaxation.
5. Read that book that’s been on your to-do list since Christmas.
You know that book that someone gave you for Christmas? Or the one that’s been sitting on your ‘to-read-eventually’ list for the past six months? Pull it out this summer and give your brain a good workout. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool with your nose in a book, or soaking in the tub as you escape the heat, take time to cross that book off your reading list.
Nothing on your reading list is catching your eye? Check out this list of must-read books that Verily Magazine put together!
Which one of these five things are you going to put on your schedule for the summer? Let me know in the comments section!
This blog was written by Chloe Langr.
Kara O'Daniel 