When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Barbeques, floating on the river, beach days, and all sorts of other fun. We have more daylight hours to enjoy being outside, and with that comes extra opportunities for incorporating some new habits to support your wellness.
1. Go for a walk****
Now, this may seem like a simple task, and maybe it is for you, depending on your season of life. This might take some planning for others, but it’s worth it. Depending on where you live, you may need to time your walk to be in the cool of the morning or after the sun sets to reduce your time outside during the strongest UV rays and highest temperatures.
Others may need to remember to pack water and snacks for your small children while they join you on a walk in the stroller. If you can, try to get away from noisy streets and find a nice place to take a stroll with more nature than urban sounds.
“Regular walking lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, and energizes you. It’s been proven that regular walkers have fewer heart attacks and strokes, lower blood pressure, and higher levels of HDL (healthy cholesterol) than non-exercisers.”
2. Go to a local farmer’s market.
If you’re not growing your food, this is the next best place to shop for your produce. You get to meet local farmers, they keep more of their profit, and you know your produce has just been dug out of the earth and therefore is the freshest possible.
Before packing your reusable bags, make sure you meal plan (and stick to it)! That way, you’ll use everything up before your next shopping trip. Nutrition affects almost every other aspect of our wellness, and its importance cannot be overstated. Do your best to incorporate vegetables and fruits into every meal/snack you eat. The vitamins and minerals in them support your metabolism, sleep cycles, and even hormones!
3. Use your bike to commute.
Obviously, not everyone can commute to work on their bike. If you have that option, try it out for a day or challenge yourself and try it for a week! Map out your route in advance and perhaps even test it out on the weekend to ensure you know the best route. Always remember to wear a helmet!
If you can’t bike to work, try bike-commuting to your next coffee date, church gathering, or other function within a few miles. You’ll be reducing your carbon emissions for the day and getting some great cardiovascular exercise in return.
Summer is a great season for fresh produce, plenty of vitamin D from the sunshine, and more energy to move your body in a way that feels good to you!
