With the weather heating up and pandemic restrictions around the country lifting, folks are not only getting out, they’re staying active. While you’re out and about this summer, here are five insightful tips to help you stay healthy and active.
1.) Get Outside!
For many folks, pandemic restrictions limited how often they could get out. Before vaccinations, many people chose to stay inside whenever possible. Some people even abandoned trips to the grocery store in lieu of delivery services. Now that more Americans are vaccinated and infection rates have subsided, it’s more important than ever to get outside and soak up the sun.
In addition to providing the all-important Vitamin D, exposure to the sun’s rays can relieve stress, strengthen immunity, calm the mind, and even aid in weight management! That’s right, being outside almost always involves some sort of exercise, so getting outside regularly can help you shed some of those unwanted pounds!
Try to set a schedule for outdoor time a few days each week, whether alone or with friends, family, or co-workers. Go for a walk, take a bike ride, or work in the garden or lawn for a few hours each week and you’ll be able to feel how your body and mind benefit.
2.) Exercise is Vital to a Healthy Body & Mind
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of strenuous aerobic activity, per week. This activity should be spread out throughout the week, though it can be done in one day.
Regular exercise can aid in weight management, reduce your risk of heart attack, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer, lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol level, and improve your overall health and mood.
There’s no better time to get out and exercise than the summer! Head to a local park, join a gym or recreational sports team, or use the internet to look up helpful exercise tips, exercise videos, and even exercise groups.
In addition to exercise, try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting. Strive to remain active and moving wherever possible. If you find yourself sitting for too long, take an activity break and go for a walk or do some light calisthenics!
3.) To Stay Healthy, Nutrition Matters
Eating healthy is as important as exercise to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People with healthy eating patterns live longer, have a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, and improves the body’s immune system!
Maintaining healthy eating habits means not only getting your recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, but staying away from unhealthy junk like fried foods, sweets, and empty carbs. What’s more, healthy eating involves sticking to a schedule; adults should strive to eat three whole meals per day.
Look for creative ways to balance healthy foods with your tastes, and try to avoid snacking and eating too late at night.
4.) Get Enough Sleep
Activity is important, but sleep matters too! While you’re staying active and eating right, remember to strive for eight hours of deep, restful sleep each night. Try to strike a perfect balance between eating right, staying active, and getting your body the rest it needs to keep itself healthy, strong, and dependable.
Getting enough quality sleep can protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. On the other hand, lack of sleep can leave you feeling sluggish and lead to problems with decision-making and learning. Sleep deficiency can even exacerbate weight gain; in addition to offering more opportunities for eating, it puts more strain on your body to regulate energy, mood, and your immune system.
Similar to diet and exercise, try to set a strict sleeping regiment or schedule each week. Remember to get your eight hours, and strive for the most restful, uninterrupted sleeping experience.
5.) Remember Your Checkups!
While you’re staying busy this summer, remember to make time for your doctor’s appointments. Even if you feel healthy, take the time for your routine checkups. Part of staying healthy is maintaining a solid relationship with your care providers.
Be open and honest with your providers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or suggestions. Your doctor can even help you develop exercise, diet, and sleep regiments designed to maintain optimal health and performance! Give us a call to set up an appointment with one of our experienced, compassionate, knowledgeable providers today!
The summer is full of opportunities to stay active. Remember to get outside, exercise, eat healthy, sleep, and check in with your medical care providers regularly. If you do so, you’ll have the healthiest, most productive summer of your life!