I have written about the Naturopath physician, Kelly Simms, ND, that I see here in Chicago at Balance Health and Wellness. She sends great newsletters and I especially loved her recent email on 8 Ways to Stay on Track This Summer. She says:
“Summer is the time to take it easy, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors! Dining al fresco, family vacations, reunions, happy hour on the patio, backyard barbecues, and summer street festivals are just a few of the amazing things we will all try to make time for while the weather is steamy. Don’t let all the fun and games de-rail your new found healthy habits with these 8 tips to stay on track and enjoy the long summer days!
1. LOVE every minute. Don’t be so hard on yourself! Give yourself permission to eat something or do something that is not according to your plan. If you chose to indulge, do it, LOVE IT, and move on. All is not lost.
2. Connect with your surroundings. Get outside and sit in the park. Re-decorate or de-clutter a room. Plant flowers and watch them grow. Take your shoes off and stand in the grass. Dr. Sinatra writes a really nice blog about why grounding (also known as earthing) can be beneficial for our health.
3. Get up 10 minutes earlier. The sun is rising around 5:15 as I write this. When was the last time you saw the sun rise or took 10 minutes for yourself in the morning? When we make time for ourselves, we are more productive and motivated throughout the day, and better able to help others at work or home.
4. Take a walk. Get in the habit of taking a stroll in the morning with coffee or tea, during an afternoon lull, or after dinner. Not only will you get the cardiovascular benefits of exercise and the blood-sugar lowering effects (when you walk after a meal), but new research suggests it may also boost creativity. Stuck on a project at work? Feeling frustrated? Need to make a decision? Walking may be the answer!
5. Learn something new. Learning a new skill helps to keep your brain young and can help with memory. Researchers have found this is particularly true in older adults who learn computer skills. Consider finding a class through the Chicago Park District, going to a craft store, or finding a distance learning class online.
6. Plan ahead. Planning for just 10 minutes for the next day can ease stress and worry. Pick out your clothes, pack your lunch, have your bag packed by the door, set out your supplements on a plate. Seriously, challenge yourself to see how much day-ahead planning you can get done in 10 minutes. You will be surprised.
7. Laugh more. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can help you relax. This is because a good laugh releases endorphins, can help calm your body’s stress response, and can even help stimulate blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Less stress = more motivation.
8. Slow down. Enjoy the luxuries of summer and take time to savor the present. The past cannot be changed and the future cannot be controlled. Be in the now.”
I love these suggestions. Especially seeing the sunrise, connecting with nature and laughing more! There is not a bad one in the bunch! Solid advice. Want more great advice? follow Kelly on Twitter or sign up for her newsletter.
What is your favorite? How will you stay on track this summer?
PS. Stay on track with awesome, healthy snacks like those in my two active giveaways!