Healthy Habits for Summer
This summer, take advantage of the longer days and start integrating some healthy habits into your routine. Work more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet and safely take advantage of the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight. Here are some ideas for staying healthy and active.
Buy Produce Locally
With the sharp increase of farmers markets in recent years, it’s easier than ever to find locally grown fresh produce. Visit a market near you to shop for a week’s worth of salad ingredients, fruits for a healthy dessert, or a side vegetable for your next weekend barbeque.
Buying locally ensures your produce is packed full of fresh nutrients, and it’s better for the environment. New farmers markets seem to be popping up all of the time—search this directory to find a market near you.
Get Moving
Regular exercise is an essential component to health and wellness. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make the most of the warmer temperatures and longer days. Swim some laps at your community swimming pool, plan a hike and explore the natural scenery near you, or ride your bike instead of driving to complete small errands.
Protect Your Skin
Being outdoors is great, but you should make sure you’re taking care of your skin. The message has never been that the sun is the enemy. After all, sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D. But, you need to take precautions and protect your skin.
- Always wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15
- If you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time, wear a hat and other protective clothing
- When possible, avoid the midday sun, doing the work you need to do outside before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Schedule a Massage Therapy Appointment
Stay active this summer with massage therapy. Studies show massage may help reduce muscle tension and stiffness, increase range of motion, decrease swelling and enhance athletic performance. Massage therapy is also a known stress and pain reliever.
Find a Trusted Massage Therapist
Members of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) are the most trusted massage therapists in the United States.
This article was adapted from content in Massage Therapy Journal.