We spend a good chunk of the year fantasizing about what we will be doing during our summer break or vacation and then, when the precious time off arrives, we just sit around home, ordering takeout pizza, and binge-watching marathons of our favorite TV shows. But although this helps us relax—and it’s important to cut ourselves some slack and allow a lazy day—it’s also extremely important to maximize your time off!
Before we get into some summer fun, let’s go over a few of the benefits of taking time off! Some may think that taking time off is a “waste of time”, however research shows that it’s quite the opposite. In fact, according to a study conducted by Oxford Economics, most managers recognize that allowing their employees to take time off increases productivity, strengthens workplace morale, and significantly enhances the staff’s overall health. So make sure to give yourself those days that you’ve worked so hard to earn.
Summer is finally here, how will you be spending your days off?
It’s very important to make sure that you are taking full advantage of your summer days while nourishing your body and mind to allow your body to heal itself from stress, anxiety, rush, and toxins!
During the summer, many of us also want to diet to reach the “perfect” body; however, the best way to get in shape is by healthy eating and taking care of yourself on a regular basis. Time off is the perfect time to start exploring in the kitchen with healthy cooking. Cooking your own meals will give you full control of what goes in your body. Summon that inner chef inside of you and just have fun! And remember the healthy-plate approach by making fruits and vegetables the star of your meal. Learn more about healthy eating in Build a Healthy Plate for a Diet-Free Future (http://www.communitynewspapers.com/doral-tribune/build-a-healthy-plate-for-adiet- free-future/).
Drink Water! Another key part of nutrition is hydrating, especially during summer time! Drinking lots of water is essential for our overall health and, to ensure that you are properly loving your body, understand how much water you need and make it a goal to reach this amount every day. To remember how much water your body needs, just divide your weight (in pounds) by two. The total equals the ounces of water you should drink each day.
oes this sound like a lot? Here are some of my tips to drink more water this summer:
-Try fun combinations of infused water (the options are endless)
-Keep a water bottle with you at all times (and use it!)
-Make your own popsicles by blending fruits and water
Get Outside! Summer and enjoying the great outdoors go hand in hand. Planning outdoor activity is the best way to relax, get fit, have fun, and get your vitamin D. Just remember to take the proper precautions when you’re going to be out in the strong South Florida sun. Protect yourself from the rays by wearing hats, sunglasses and, of course, sunscreen.
The following are some outdoor activities you could try this summer:
-Cycling
-Swimming
-Outdoor yoga
-Walks with friends
-Beach volleyball
-Paddle Boarding
-Kayaking
-Camping
-Playing with kids/grandkids/dog at the park
Unplug and Unwind!
We know full well that diet and exercise are essential for healthy living, but many times we tend to forget that we NEED to relax. Be sure to de-stress your life by following some of these tips
De-clutter your home to give yourself more space. Clutter can be a big source of stress even if we are not aware of it. So if you missed this year’s spring-cleaning, get going now and enjoy your summer with a clean, de-cluttered home.
Turn your phone and computer off and find ways to relax. Read a good book; keep a journal (you never know where it can lead you); take a bubble bath with calming aromatherapy oils; or try meditating.
Spend time with family and friends. Don’t text them; go see them! With our hectic schedules, it becomes easy for friends and family to take the back seat when, in reality, they are more important than anything going on in your life. This summer make sure you reach out to your loved ones, have fun together, and create new, magical memories!
So what are you waiting for? Shut down your computer and start creating this summer’s to-do list. It’s not too late! Make it your goal to complete every single item on that list. And don’t forget to share with us all the summer fun you are having. We’d love to hear about your summer plans.
Until next time!
