Claire Wilson
Follow these five steps to a healthier lifestyle during the summer months
1. Give your diet a berry boost
If you do just one thing this summer to improve your diet, have a cup of mixed fresh berries — blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries — every day. They’ll help you load up on antioxidants, which can help prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses. Blueberries and blackberries are especially antioxidant-rich.
2. Get dirty and stress less
To improve your stress level, plant a small garden, cultivate a flower box, or if space is really limited, plant a few flower pots — indoors or out. Just putting your hands in soil is “grounding.” And when life feels like you’re moving so fast your feet are barely touching the stuff, being mentally grounded can help relieve physical and mental stress.
3. Get outside to exercise
Pick one outdoor activity — going on a hike, taking a nature walk, playing games such as tag with your kids, cycling, roller blading, or swimming — to shed that cooped-up feeling of gym sessions. And remember, the family that plays together not only gets fit together — it’s also a great way to create bonding time.
4. Be good to your eyes
Always protect your eyes when in bright sunlight. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays. Sunglasses can help prevent cataracts, as well as wrinkles around the eyes. And when playing sports or doing tasks such as mowing the lawn, wear protective eyewear. Ask your doctor about the best type.
5. Sleep well
Resist the urge to stay up later during long summer days. Instead pay attention to good sleep patterns by keeping the same bedtime and wake-up routine and not drinking alcohol within three hours of bedtime. It’s also a good idea to avoid naps during the day unless you take them every day at the same time, for the same amount of time.
