When we were young, summer was synonymous with vacation – weeks off from school, days at the beach or pool, maybe even summer camp. But what is your summer like now? Is it vacation, relaxation, fun in the sun, read a good book time? Or is it 3 short months of trying to fit in all the things you want to do, need to do, and think you SHOULD do?
Here are 4 simple tips to help you make your summer less stressful, and more healthful!
1. Get some Sun: With growing awareness around skin cancer this tip may seems strange, but even 15 minutes of sun exposure (without sun screen) on as much skin as possible can produce as much as 10,000 units of vitamin D in the skin’s cells. Vitamin D protects us from a host of diseases (check here for the top 3 benefits), and a dose of sunshine is a great mood booster!
2. Wake Up Earlier: Use the early sunrise to your advantage and get up an hour earlier than usual. Use that time to do something good for yourself: morning meditation, some stretching or yoga, a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Any one of these can help reduce stress and give you more energy. An extra hour a day of self care through out the summer improves the quality of each day, and adds up to a mini-vacation! Need some help getting up earlier? Leave your windows and shades open and let the gradual increase in light and singing of the birds be your wake-up call!
3. Walk Barefoot on the Grass: Most of us know how good it FEELS to walk barefoot on the grass or at the beach, but did you know that it is actually good for your health? It may sound “new-agey”, but a number of research studies have shown that the exchange of free electrons between our skin and the surface of the Earth has a grounding effect on our body that is beneficial effect on our health. Shoes prevent us from releasing excess electrostatic charges that can cause a host of issues like chronic inflammation, pain and a compromised immune system. So, kick off your shoes, and feel the earth move under your feet!
4. And of course, a massage is a great way to reduce stress in any season! And if you are taking some time off to enjoy a real vacation from your usual routine, starting with a massage helps you get into your vacation mindset quicker, so you can start relaxing from day one.
So drop me an email, or give me a call at 508-788-7300 to set up your next massage appointment!!