Transitioning from Winter to Summer
By the time summer rolls around, many people are ready for the warmer weather and days filled with more sunlight. As we can all admit, winter and spring sometimes don’t bring out the best in us regarding what we eat and how much we move our bodies. Now that we can expect warmer, sunnier weather in the forecast, we will have more opportunities to move more, eat healthier, and get outside to soak up some Vitamin D!
Get Your Eating Back On Track
Now that we are through the holiday season and all the spring rain showers, which cause us to eat lots of savory foods and many sweets, we can now get our eating back on track! It is so easy to fall down the trap of, “Oh, I will start watching what I eat on Monday,” and then Monday rolls around and the chances of us starting to eat healthier are slim. The warmer weather and ability for us to get outside more can encourage many to start a garden with vegetables and fruits, or to grill up some delicious meals! Having easy access to a garden filled with nutritious veggies and fruits will encourage you to include them in your meals and snacks! Instead of reaching for that bag of chips you would rather eat, head out to the garden and pick tomatoes or lettuce and make a salad or fresh salsa!
While you enjoy your time outside soaking in the warm weather, make sure to stay hydrated. The more you move and are outside, the more calories you tend to burn, so be sure you are drinking plenty of water! Not only does water keep you hydrated, but it also helps to energize your body and muscles. Your body will thank you for eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated. If these things are neglected you may notice a lack of energy or motivation.
Moving While Working from Home
Due to the pandemic, many have the ability to work from home either full-time or part-time now that their office has provided them with the option. As a result, they have created mini offices in their homes as dedicated workspaces so they can separate work life from home life. While this is a great idea, many find that they are sitting for an extended period of time during the day because they aren’t necessarily getting up from their desks or straying far from their dedicated work area. When you sit too long, you aren’t moving your muscles or burning any calories, so taking time during the day to stand or stretch while working will allow you to burn some calories and get your body moving! Now that you won’t freeze when you go outside, you are more apt to go enjoy the weather for a nice mental break from work. Try to schedule time in your day for a quick five or ten-minute walk outside to help your mind reset and get your body moving.
Participating in Outdoor Activities
There is nothing better than waking up and seeing the sun shining through your windows. It can automatically put you in a good mood! If you notice that you will be experiencing nice weather throughout the week, try planning time to spend outside and participate in some outdoor activities. Not only will you be able to soak up some Vitamin D, but you will get your body moving, and who doesn’t enjoy that? Here are some ideas of what to do outside to shake off the dust on those sneakers.
- Nature Walk – Finding a local park or walking trail can help you clear your mind, take in the nature views and get your steps in!
- Exercise Outside – If you want to get a good workout in, bring some weights, a mat, or a jump rope outside! If you have the ability to set up an exercise station outside, do it!
- Outdoor Games – Inviting a group of friends over for a picnic may be in your best interest if you are looking to get together, but also enjoy the weather! A few fun games for you and your friends could be ladder ball, corn hole, or even throwing a football around!
Not only will time outside boost your overall mood and get your body moving, but it can also help with your mental health! Being cooped up inside can take a toll on your mental health and you can find yourself becoming depressed or anxious. If you find that you are experiencing depression or anxiety, it is best to notify your doctor or speak with a psychiatrist online to get help. An online psychiatrist can prescribe depression and anxiety medication or offer online sessions that could be a beneficial resource for maintaining your mental health. Being able to have a positive mindset can improve your mental and physical health.
Making Your Health A Priority
If you’re struggling to find the right time to take your health more seriously, now is the time to do it. Setting up a summer routine that you can carry into fall will benefit your overall health! You may create a workday schedule that allows you time to take a break and go outside for a walk or set up a meal plan with recipes that are healthy and delicious, and you may take some time to set up an area to work where you can stand at a desk or table instead of sitting. Try out all of these options and find what you enjoy the most to create a routine that works for you and boosts your health!
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 