Your life during the winter is often spent bundled up and swaddled in blankets at night. When spring hits, you’re ready to start something new. As vegetables grow and flowers bloom in summer, that growth should inspire you further to set summer goals, especially if you haven’t set ones in the spring. Unlike springtime, there are more great days to go outside and enjoy Mother Nature. In fact, that can be one of your summer goals. Spend more time outside, barefoot if possible to get the energy of the earth, and enjoy the season.
Get more comfortable in your own skin, since more of it will be showing in summer clothing.
If you aren’t exercising already, it’s the perfect time to start. It can be as simple as walking more or doing outside activities, like gardening. Most people find that working out regularly not only helps them enjoy the summer fun more, it also gets results faster. If you can, enjoy the water and splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Water exercises are easier on the joints and provide a change of pace from traditional exercises. That makes it a good combination.
Eat healthier.
What’s better than summer for healthy eating. Fresh fruit and vegetables are often grown locally and lower in cost. If you’re a fan of gardening, it’s not too late to get in some vegetable plants. In fact, they’ll be on sale. If you aren’t a gardener, try a U-pick option. It saves money and gives you extra exercise. There’s an abundance of healthy choices available. Try something new. Choose heirloom tomatoes or if you haven’t already tried it, plan a meal with spaghetti squash. The goal of eating healthy is made easier in the summer months.
Drink more water.
Drinking water is harder when the weather is cold, but in the summer months, creating that habit is far easier. You also need to replenish your fluids more in the summer, since you perspire more. Make it a goal to ditch the soft drinks and sweet juices for pure, plain water. For many people, it will seem quite foreign, but once it becomes habit, it’s a tough habit to quit. Aim for eight glasses a day.
- Learn to relax. You may think that sitting down and reading a book is true relaxation, but in reality, relaxing means relaxing your body AND mind. Take time to sit outside in nature and just be. Learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing helps.
- Make it a goal to become more social. People with a good social life stay healthier. Take up a new sport or hobby or reconnect with an old one and share it with friends who also love it.
- Make it a goal to treat yourself better. In order to become the person you want to be, you have to like the person that you are. Even if you don’t stick with a diet or miss an exercise session, don’t beat yourself up. It’s counterproductive. Start anew in the morning.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen if you’re outside for a long time. If you can, practice safe sun exposure, building a slight tan after short exposures to the sun without screen. It helps boost your body’s vitamin D. Wear sunscreen the rest of the time.