Longer days and warm weather bring lots of opportunities for summer fun. Incorporate these four ideas into your family’s daily habits and you will be all set for a season of health and happiness!
Eat Berries Every Day
If you do one thing this summer to improve your diet, have a cup of mixed fresh berries — blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries — every day. You’ll load up on antioxidants, which “protect your cells against the effects of free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Berries are also high in fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol and may even protect you against some cancers.
Get Dirty
Gardening is a favorite summer activity and offers many advantages besides beautifying your surroundings. Digging is something you probably loved as a kid because it is soothing and grounding, so get your hands dirty in the garden to reap the stress-reducing benefits. And when you grow your own food, you not only control the pesticides and fertilizers used, you get the satisfaction of watching the progress of your plants and harvesting them at the peak of ripeness.
Play Outside
Longer days mean that even after work there’s time for a bike ride, a game of basketball with your kids, tennis with your friends or any other fun summer game. Take a walk after dinner or wait for the fireflies to come out in the evening to play tag! This added exercise will help you sleep better and give you a clearer mind for work in the morning.
Stay Safe
- Wear sunscreen every day
- Protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks that can carry diseases
- Wear a helmet when riding your bike
- Keep a first aid kit handy for bumps and scrapes
Most of all, we wish you a fun, happy and healthy summer!
