Happy July, Wellness Warriors!
The fireworks may be over, but now it’s your time to shine! And can you believe it? 2024 is already halfway over!! So, as the sun beams down and summer kicks into full gear, it’s the perfect time to talk about a little something we all need: getting our house (a.k.a. our health) in order. 🌞
Now, let’s be real for a moment. Here in Seattle, we know a thing or two about wet springs. All that rain can make even the most motivated among us put off spring cleaning—both in our homes and our health. But fear not! Summer is the best time to play catch-up and give ourselves the fresh start we deserve.
Summer Cleaning for Your Body 🧼
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, right? Dusting off the shelves, clearing out the closets, and making everything sparkle. Well, your body deserves the same kind of attention! Just as we declutter our homes, it’s time to detox and revitalize our bodies. And in Washington, it’s common knowledge that spring cleaning typically gets delayed because of the soggy weather. So let’s make this summer our time to shine!
- Declutter Your Diet 🥗: Start by ditching those greasy comfort foods (we know, it’s hard!) and opt for lighter, more nutritious options. Think fresh fruits, vibrant salads, and smoothies—berry season in the northwest is to die for. Not only will this help shed those lingering pounds, but these components of your diet are chock-full of antioxidants, and they’ll also make you feel more energized and ready to take on whatever the summer brings.
BUT if you’re still struggling with weight loss even with the right diet and exercise, please know that you👏are👏not👏alone👏! No need to ask google “how to lose weight for summer?” or re-read the same, repetitive copy and paste blog posts on “Tips for staying fit in summer”. Trust that we’re here to help generate your own weight loss success story, so please call us or shoot us a message to discuss additional options available to you.
- Move 🏃 and Groove💃: The grey skies might have kept you indoors for months on end, but now it’s time to get up and get moving! Whether it’s setting a routine walk around the block, a hike in the cascades, or even a “hot” yoga session in your backyard with all of the sunshine, simply find ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Your body—and mind—will thank you for it!
- Hydrate💧, Hydrate💧, Hydrate💧 (did it sink it yet?) : With the sun shining brighter and the heat beating down, it’s critical to keep hydrated. Water is always your best friend! Add a slice of lemon, some cucumbers, or a handful of berries for a refreshing twist. Don’t forget—staying hydrated is key to that summer glow we all crave.
- Don’t Let the “Lytes” Go Out 🥤: When you’re out and about in the summer heat, your body loves to sweat out important minerals—aka electrolytes. To stay properly hydrated, it’s critical to replace them. Whether it’s a Liquid IV, Prime, or any electrolyte supplement, make sure you’re replenishing those essential minerals. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and even more severe health issues like heat stroke or heart problems. Your body will thank you for the improved energy levels and better performance.
Soak Up That Vitamin D (Safely!) 😎:
One of the best things about summer? All that glorious sunshine! After months (and months, and months) of grey, it’s time to let the sun finally work its magic.
Did you know that a significant percentage of people in the Seattle-area (and greater Pacific Northwest) are deficient in Vitamin D? In fact, studies have shown that up to 70% of residents may be lacking this essential vitamin, thanks to our long, gloomy winters. So, it’s extra important to make the most of the sunny days!
- Boost Your Mood: Sunlight increases the production of serotonin, the hormone that boosts mood and helps you feel calm and focused.
- Strengthen Your Bones: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health. A little time in the sun helps your body produce this essential vitamin.
- Improve Your Sleep: More daylight exposure helps regulate your sleep-wake cycles. So, catch some rays during the day for better sleep at night.
While you’re out soaking up that vitamin D, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. We want you to soak up the sun, not be murdered by it! Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (preferably greater), and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Revitalize Your Life 🍃
Summer is a season of renewal and growth. It’s the perfect opportunity to set new goals and create healthy habits. Whether it’s trying out a new sport, picking up a hobby, or simply spending more time with loved ones, make the most of this vibrant season.
Remember, Wellness Warriors, your health truly is your home. It’s where you live every single day. By taking the time to care for it, you’re ensuring that you can enjoy all the adventures and joys that summer has to offer.
So, let’s get our houses in order, soak up the sunshine, and shine brightly this summer! 🌞