Paying attention to our health and wellness all year round is a given but the summer months bring benefits that are numerous, and a wonderful time to start working with your health and wellness coach on the goals you would like to set for the summer and maintain for the rest of the year.
One of the obvious benefits of the additional sunshine we get in summer is a daily boost of vitamin D, which is beneficial in so many ways to our overall health. Vitamin D has been shown to slow down the aging process and prevent inflammation while improving our bone health. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D can also help improve immunity and resistance against diseases and heart problems.
Now is the time to get outside walking and enjoying the outdoors. Did you know that spending time outside each day can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and depression? The outside is our greatest rejuvenator and being outside for only 30 minutes a day is all we need to release those endorphins which improve our mood and overall mental health. Another benefit to being outside, especially for those of us living in cities or the suburbs that are subjected to pollution is to have the opportunity to breathe cleaner oxygen. Oxygen can increase levels of serotonin, which promotes feelings of happiness and well-being.
Take the opportunity to exercise outside instead of inside. Working up a sweat is so good for blood circulation. When we sweat it helps to purge your skin of bacteria, dirt, oil and other impurities. If strenuous exercise is not your thing then join a Tai Chi group, which is a very low impact exercise but improves muscle tone and balance. Your health and wellness coach can direct you to your local group.
Another very enjoyable benefit of summer are the amazing fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and readily available in stores and farmers markets. Speak to your Health and wellness coach about recipes for enjoying fruit smoothies and delicious desserts made with fresh fruit. Hmmmm! Yummy slices of cool watermelon, fresh berries, peaches, plums and kiwis as a healthy snack instead of cookies or potato chips. These fruits also help to hydrate us on hot days and provide us with extra vitamin C and E. A great way to get the vitamins our bodies need while enjoying these delicious fruits. An even better way of enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables is to grow your own. Gardening is known to relieve stress and lift depression. What can be better than to see the results of your work in the garden by picking fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to cook with in your own kitchen. Plant flowers to enjoy while you are sitting outside reading a new novel. If you live in a condo or townhome and don’t have a garden, have fun decorating a balcony with pots of colourful flowers and greenery and herbs. Introduce your children to the wonderful world of gardening and enjoy spending time with them outside. Another great benefit from growing your own fruits and veggies is to see how much money you save during the summer months by picking your own!
Planning a vacation or spending time at the cottage is a great way to relieve stress, boost creativity and, help us to focus on strengthening family bonds and friendships.
I wish you a very Happy and Healthy Summer and look forward to answering any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at
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