Embracing Summertime Fun Will Help You Thrive: For some, summertime fun means less-than-healthy habits. S’mores around the campfire. Platters of food and cocktails served at graduation parties, birthdays, and 4th of July cookouts. More time for the kids to be in front of screens during their summer vacation. And the list goes on and on!
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Thankfully, summertime fun does not have to be synonymous with poor health habits. As I say all the time, life is about balance. Trying to achieve the “perfect” diet or fitness routine is a trap that often leads to shaming oneself, feeling tremendous guilt, and missing out on the fun of life.
This summer, I want to challenge you to start shifting your mindset. Instead of labeling activities, foods, beverages, etc. as being “bad” or “good,” strive to be intentional with your choices. Stop limiting and depriving yourself.
Need ideas for leveraging the fun of the season to help your health thrive? Here are some of my favorite ways to experience summertime to the fullest — while staying on-track with your health and wellness goals.
Improve your well-being by spending time outdoors
With the snow and cold nowhere in sight, now is the time to get outside! Being in nature — whether in your neighborhood or in a state park — has numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. According to a published study from the Yale School of the Environment, people who spent just two hours per week in green spaces “were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who don’t.”
Make the most of the beautiful summer weather by getting outside as often as you can. Shift your workout routine outdoors by going bike riding, hiking, or playing your favorite sport. You can also harness the wellness benefits of being in nature by reading outside, gardening, camping, or simply enjoying a meal on your patio.
Take a break from your daily routine
Summertime provides more opportunities to step away from your daily routine than any other season. If you’ve been dreaming of a fun and restorative vacation, now is the time to plan one!
Breaking away from the daily grind is a fabulous way to improve your overall health and well-being. Although there are certainly benefits in having a daily routine, there are also advantages in taking a break from work, extracurriculars, and your everyday surroundings. Disconnecting from the fast pace of life — even for a few days — can help you deeply relax, improve your creativity, and manage anxiety and stress.
Recharge by gathering with friends and family
Humans are innately social beings. Even if you consider yourself to be an introvert, your health will benefit immensely from quality time spent with friends and family.
The summertime is a perfect excuse for inviting your nearest and dearest over for a fun gathering. No special occasion needed! Recharge your social “batteries” by planning a group bike ride, walk, camping trip, winery tour and tasting, or backyard bonfire. Whatever you plan, make sure it is something that will facilitate fun, laughter, and an opportunity to unwind. And keep it part of your healthy lifestyle – recharging is super important, but not an excuse to eat with wild abandon 🙂
Eat a healthy snack before the big party
One of the biggest health-related obstacles that people face during the summertime is the endless string of summer BBQs, parties, and celebrations. It can become far too easy to overindulge in decadent food and beverage items on a routine basis.
How can you prevent totally derailing your health and wellness goals, while still having fun at each event you attend? Plan ahead and be intentional!
What does this look like in practice? There are several strategies that you can use. First, consider eating a healthy snack or meal ahead of time. Just like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach, or attending a party while hungry can lead to making choices you wouldn’t otherwise make. And once you’ve settled on enjoying the food items at a particular celebration, also increase your water intake. Not only will this help you stay hydrated in the warm weather, but it will also prevent you from mistaking thirst for hunger, which will ultimately prevent you from overeating.
Liven up outdoor gatherings with games that get you moving
Another great way to make your outdoor gatherings more active (and fun) is to bring a game for everyone to play. Pack a frisbee, bocce set, badminton set, or bag toss so you’re active instead of just sitting around. Not only does this make your gatherings more fun, but it also helps you keep your metabolism humming — without even thinking about it!
Stuck in the cycle of busy hoping that one day there will be time for your and what you want?
You are not alone. PEACEFUL LIVING COACHING is here to support you!
Ready to get your health journey kick-started? We run 21-Day Reset groups every month. Message me at dawn@dawnmcgee.guru for the next starting date. And don’t worry – it won’t ruin your summer! Quite the opposite actually!! Remind me again, why haven’t you joined me yet?
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
