Now is the perfect time to begin preparing your mind, body and spirit for summer. Many of us GlamMoms have tried and possibly failed at keeping our fitness goals. That’s okay. Some of us have continued to meet our goals, and that’s great! Although we may strive for perfection in every area of our lives, there are absolutely going to be times when we fall short. However, there’s always an opportunity to pick up where you left off and begin again. Here are some great tips to get moving and motivated toward your self-care goals and prepare yourself for summer.
1. Make sure vitamins and proper hydration are part of your daily regimen…
Vitamins are essential to helping you maintain your overall health and wellness. The proper supplements help support your bones, immune system, and organ functions. Because most adults don’t get the recommended daily amounts through food and drink alone, adding a daily vitamin can be especially important for good nutrition. Keep in mind that hydration is vital ad well. You don’t want to go into hot summers in a constant state of dehydration. Proper hydration may also lead to a leaner body. We sometimes mistake thirst for hunger. When you feel those hunger pangs, quench your thirst with electrolyte enhanced water to add the extra benefits of heart healthy minerals to your body. You may find that you were actually just thirsty and not really hungry.
2. Spend some time outdoors walking…
Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Unlike some other forms of exercise, walking is free and doesn’t require any special equipment or training.
Walking is low impact, requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day and can be performed at your own pace. You can get out and walk without worrying about the risks associated with some more vigorous forms of exercise. Walking is also a great form of physical activity for people who are overweight, elderly, or who haven’t exercised in a long time.
To get the health benefits, try to walk for at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can on most days of the week. ‘Brisk’ means that you can still talk but not sing, and you may be puffing slightly. Moderate activities such as walking pose little health risk but, if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program of physical activity.
3. Experiment with new makeup…
Having the same makeup routine every day can get boring, and sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a bit. This summer, consider trying out new styles and colors to help boost your self-confidence and break out of old habits. You may even consider adding some natural products to your beauty collection if you’re concerned about all the chemicals and synthetic components of traditional makeup. Over 42% of women ages 18 and older say that they are turning to these natural alternatives and away from synthetic versions. Not only are these products better for the environment, but they can also be better for your skin. If your prone to breakouts or skin irritation, consider making the switch this summer to help mitigate these issues.
4. Try meditation for relaxation and stress relief…
Stress is the body’s response to unforeseen adversities. Encountering immediate threats increase the level of cortisol, or stress hormone in the body, and activates the Autonomic Nervous system, which is responsible for fight-or-flight responses. Brain studies of regular meditators revealed that they have lower cortisol level in their brains, which explains their resilience and insightful nature.
Meditation promotes emotional health and well-being. Studies have shown that meditation improves self-image and self-worth. When we meditate, we get a clear picture of our mind and become aware of the thoughts that drive our emotions and actions at the moment.
5. Check in with your dentist or orthodontist…
Teeth can play a big role in our self-image and if you’re not satisfied with how your teeth look, now is a great time to see your dentist.
Like other areas of the body, your mouth teems with bacteria — mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease.
Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
6. Get a professional manicure and pedicure…
We tend to expose more skin in the summer. Feet are no strangers to flip flops and sandals. They are also tend to be the most neglected parts of our bodies. During any manicure or pedicure, you receive a relaxing massage of the hands and feet. This helps to improve blood circulation and improves mobility for the joints. With regular manicures and pedicures, the chances of your nails developing fungi and other infections are reduced.
Both the physical and mental health benefits of getting a manicure and pedicure are incredible. Your feet and hands will both look and feel great, your stress will go down, and your circulation will increase.
With summer fast approaching, it’s time to get yourself ready to enjoy the time of year when the days are long and the sun is hot. Keep these tips in mind to start this season happy and healthy!
