Summertime Switch-Ups

Summer is a great time to make changes which benefit your health. Everything comes more easily during the summer. The weather is warm, the days are longer, and there's plenty of fresh produce available. So much easier to start a new diet, or exercise regime, or just fine tune some of your habits.

Because the days are longer, it's much easier to get up early in the morning. This gives us extra time to go for a morning walk, or swim, or bike ride. Maybe even join an outdoor bootcamp! Spending time out in the sun will give us the Vitamin D we need for strong bones, and to help lift our mood. Getting morning light in our eyes helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, which in turn helps us sleep better at night.

Thanks to the extra light, we also have extra energy in the summer months. We can use this energy to care for a garden, or visit a local farm and pick our own fruits and veggies. If you're not into growing or picking your own, there are lots of farmers' markets where you can purchase local produce at the height of freshness. Fresher veggies are healthier, containing higher levels of vitamins. (Don't forget to use your fresh veggies quickly!)

Summer is also a great time to take off your shoes and go barefoot. This is fantastic for your feet, allowing you to use and strengthen all the muscles of the feet, ankles, and calves. Walking barefoot is also better for your spine and your overall posture. In addition, if you walk barefoot on the grass or sand, you will absorb energy from the earth. "Grounding" is great for your health, reduces blood pressure, and helps you sleep better.

Thanks to the heat, we need to drink more during the summer months. Stay hydrated with lots of cool water, as well as watery foods like cucumbers, melon, strawberries, tomatoes, and other fruits. In addition, the heat often reduces our appetite, making it easier to eat less, feel satisfied, and lose weight. Salads are a great way to get an abundance of fresh, raw veggies and avoid heating up the kitchen at mealtime.

These are just a few of the ways you can use the summer months to boost your health and happiness. If you have more ideas, please leave a comment!