Listen to Get Your Body and Mind Ready For Summer
Adopting a healthier attitude to mind and body means now is the time to prepare for the warmer months ahead. “Summer bodies” are actually made in the spring. The sooner you start thinking about getting yourself to the fitness level that makes you feel your best in the summer, the easier it is to get there — without the temptation of trying out a crash diet or juice cleanse. Not feeling quite ready? Here are a few simple ways you can start to prepare for the summer season now.
1. Cut added sugar from your diet. Just say “no” for now.
2. Increase your intake of water.
3. Eat lots of vegetables, protein and healthy fats
4. Embrace plant-based eating
You don’t need to become a strict vegan to reap the benefits of a plant-based diet, which include getting your necessary doses of vital nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and inflammation-blasting antioxidants. Designate one day a week as “meat-free” and pile your plate with fruits and veggies, whole grains, and plant-based proteins such as beans or legumes. Summer is the perfect time to serve up a giant salad for dinner or experiment with cold, vegetable soups like gazpacho.
5. Keep up your exercise routine
When it comes to preparing the body for summer, there are two alternatives. One is simply maintaining your year-round exercise routine. The other is to use this routine as your basis and add something new for a bit of added variety.
6. Try something new
Good weather makes us feel more inspired, creative and daring. It’s a good idea to track your progress when starting a new activity or challenge, so you are encouraged as you start to reach your goals. Be it reaching a new personal best in running, or surprising ourselves by overcoming our fears and trying a new activity (like an antigravity, inversion-therapy Yoga swing!), this is a great way to stay motivated and focused.
7. Put your mind to rest.
Take meditation and yoga class to find peace and preserve your sanity. This form of exercise can help bring peace to your mind and soul. You can practice meditative exercise every day to help clear your mind and free of stress. Also, meditative exercises with stretching allow you to breathe deeper that helps tone your body.
8. Remind yourself that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed
The bottom line is that none of us have a lot of time. It’s a cliché, but tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
So make time for things you’ve dreamed of, live a little more in the moment, and don’t get so caught up in making money for your future that you miss what’s happening now. There’s a balance somewhere there, and if you don’t take the time to analyze where you’re at, you might be way off.
