Now that summer is here, for most of us in the Northern hemisphere. Or at least it’s on its way! Here’s a useful list of easy to use, new habits. Let’s make the most of summer by improving our health and well-being. And don’t worry, we still get to enjoy the season.
Let’s start with:
Replace sodas or soft drinks with tea or water
The occasional soda won’t do you any harm. But drinking soda on a regular basis is not good for you.
Food for thought: Aspartame has brought more complaints to the FDA than any other additive-ever (according to Dr. William Campbell Douglas.)
In 1957 Dr. William Coda Martin classified refined sugar as a poison. Why? Because its been depleted of all life forces, vitamins and minerals.
Oh yes, that one reason why I keep a jug of water in the fridge. And to flavor it up I add some lemon slices. Maybe a sprig of peppermint. Or my fave, lime slices and a vanilla pod. Tasty, refreshing and none of the chemicals to worry about!
Many herb teas chill quite nicely and you can always add a dash of fruit juice to make it a little more special. Bonus: you’ll be saving money as well as saving your health!
Get a good water filter
You can then stop filling landfills with plastic bottles and help the environment.
If you drink tap water at least let it sit in the fridge in a glass jug so that it can off-gas.
I suggest a minimum of eight glasses of water or herb tea daily. That’s eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day. You may substitute herb teas, no caffeine please!
So, if you drink coffee, tea, colas, etc, they don’t count as part of your eight glasses. Drink eight glasses of water as well as your other fluids, or cut out some of the others and drink water instead.
Those of you who know me well know that I have a great complexion. I drink my water daily. It flushes out toxins.
Don’t tell me it makes you run to the bathroom too often-your body will get used to it and gradually you won’t have to go so often. And as I always say, moving your body is good for you-get up from your desk and walk to the bathroom! If you want to be Feeling Absolutely Fabulous you will have to move your body!
Commit to eating raw fruit or serving of vegetables at every meal
A well-balanced diet is comprised of a variety of foods. The biggest difficulty people have around eating well is that they eat without consciousness. Or in simpler terms. We just aren’t paying attention to eating.
Try adding a raw fruit or veggie with each meal and you’ll start becoming aware of how and what you are eating.
Looking for a suggestion? Try a sliced banana and/or strawberries on your wholegrain breakfast cereal. Add some celery or carrot to your lunch time sandwich for a nice crunchy addition. And at supper time how about a ripe peach for dessert?
Not as difficult as you might have imagined!
Add an extra 5 minutes a day to your exercise routine
Add just 5 minutes a day to your exercise routine. Don’t have an exercise routine? Start with 5 minutes a day! Woohoo!
Enjoy a little sunshine
The UVB rays from the sun are bursting with protective vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for your bones, your heart, your immune system and your happiness. It is even said to be proving an important contender in the fight against heart disease and diabetes.
So get outside and enjoy the healthful benefits of the sun! Do not exceed the safe daily limits. Just remember to take care by putting on a hat and the proper clothing, and when using a sunscreen it’s suggested that it contain a physical sun block, such as titanium dioxide.
Park away from the store
Photo by Ruffa Jane Reyes on Unsplash
When shopping, instead of trying to find a parking spot close to the grocery store or the mall, park a little farther away. You’ll get more walking exercise and a little more sunshine.
Get enough sleep
Photo by Tara Raye on Unsplash
Plan your schedule so that you can get at least eight hours of sleep for at least two or three nights a week. Or more! Recent studies and surveys are indicating that most people, that’s most not some, most people are sleep deprived. The costs to our health and well-being are huge.
And a final thought for this month:
Time to begin something new?
This is a fabulous time to begin a new correspondence course with SchoolofCT.
You can sit on the deck reading and studying while sipping a nice cool glass of water, feet up, relaxing and enjoying yourself.
Tempted?
Enroll now in one of our courses or programs. Not sure which one? Then give me a call at 206-883-3482 or email me for a free fifteen minute consultation.
