For many, summer means taking some time off work and adopting a more laid back attitude. With more time on your hands maybe you can start to focus on you. Experts suggest simple changes this season to boost personal health. 1. Give Your Diet a Berry Boost
Have a cup of mixed fresh berries every day. They'll help you load up on antioxidants, which may help prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses.
2. Get Dirty - and Stress Less
To improve your stress level, plant a small garden, or plant a few flower pots - indoors or out. Being mentally grounded can help relieve physical and mental stress.
3. Floss Daily
Flossing every day reduces oral bacteria, which improves overall body health. Floss daily and you're doing better than at least 85% of people.
4. Get Outside to Exercise
Pick one outdoor activity - going on a hike, taking a nature walk, or swimming, etc - to shed that cooped-up feeling of gym workouts.
5. Be Good to Your Eyes
To protect your vision at work and at play, wear protective eyewear. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays.
6. Vacation Time!
Improve your heart health: take advantage of summer's slower schedule by using your vacation time to unwind and distress.
7. Alcohol: Go Lite
Choose a light, chilled alcoholic beverage like sangria or a light beer. In moderation -- defined as one to two drinks daily -- alcohol can protect against heart disease.
8. Sleep Well
Try keeping the same bedtime and wake-up schedule and not drinking alcohol within three hours of bedtime.
There they are! Try one or try them all. They're so easy you won't even know they're -- shhhh -- good for you. Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our Health and Fitness Blog!
