Summer is a favorite time of year for many people. The weather gets warmer, days are longer and the sun beckons us to get outside and be active.
When it comes to your nutrition and overall health, the longest season of the year can be ideal for a lifestyle refresh. Work on developing these 5 healthy habits for a summer to remember!
1. Meditate Daily
Now more than ever, people are seeking new ways to relieve stress. Meditation is a type of mind and body training that focuses on inner peace. This practice can help reduce mental exhaustion by redirecting our thoughts to the present moment.
Forms of meditation range from simple breathing exercises to guided visualization and Tai Chai. Benefits include:
- Stress management
- Improved mood
- Reduced negativity
- Enhanced self-awareness
- Better sleep
- Decreased blood pressure
- Control over anxiety, depression, chronic pain
- Improved attention and memory
2. Spend Time in Nature
After a long winter and rainy spring, there are many benefits of getting outdoors in the summer. Nature can be very calming, whether you’re doing yardwork or taking a hike. A clear mind and better mood can have a positive impact on physical health, especially when combined with exercise.
Working out releases endorphins to further reduce stress. Outdoor exercise can enhance Vitamin D production, which supports your blood cells, bones and immune strength.
Chiropractic treatment keeps the nervous system healthy, which enables the body to absorb Vitamin D better! Regular chiropractic adjustments keep the spine in alignment and can help the body perform at its best.
Nature also helps set your sleep cycle. It’s recommended to get outside in the morning, as early sunlight provides the light your cells need to get the body’s internal clock on track. As chiropractors, we know how important proper sleep is to overall health and wellness!
3. Boost Immune Strength
Did you know the average human body is made up of 60 percent water? When temperatures rise, our bodies can lose water and become dehydrated faster. During an outdoor workout, you also lose electrolytes through sweat. This may lower your energy levels, cause muscle weakness or cramps and respiratory issues.
To protect the spine and lubricate the joints, aim to drink half your body weight in ounces each day. For instance, a 130-pound person should drink at least 65 ounces of water daily.
4. Take Supplements
Taking the right supplements can boost your immune system, provide extra nutrients and help you feel more energized! Hot weather increases body temperature, which can cause dehydration, fatigue and headaches.
Magnesium glycinate can help regulate body temperature in the summer heat. It also supports healthy muscle, nerve and heart function. For better sleep and overall comfort, we recommend two capsules of magnesium glycinate one hour before bed.
5. Wellness Chiropractic Adjustments
You’re well on the way to leading a healthier lifestyle, yet one key component ties it all together: Chiropractic care! This non-invasive approach to pain relief also promotes overall health and wellness. Whether you’ve been injured, experience chronic headaches or want to have more energy, spinal adjustments can remove any nerve interferences affecting your body’s performance.
The spinal cord is an extension of the central nervous system, which controls our thoughts and movements. When the spine is out of alignment, it can affect the entire body. Through gentle adjustments of the spine, a chiropractor can increase range of motion, reduce nerve irritability and improve the body’s overall function from head to toe!
Our team at The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, no matter the season. To learn more about our services, contact us today!
