Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer

Summer is a good time to be more proactive about living healthy. The recession we are now experiencing is causing higher levels of stress in people in addition to any stress they were already under. I believe stress is the number one silent killer of our times. Stress decreases your immune system and your ability to fight off illness. We overeat when we are stressed. We overspend when we are stressed. We consume more alcohol, caffeine and sugar when we are stressed. All these things lead to heart problems, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. There are inexpensive things you can do to live a healthier life and reduce stress.

Get eight hours of restful sleep each night.
This is the way to give your body some rest. It needs to recuperate from all it went through during the day. Studies are showing that lack of sleep contributes to negative health consequences like heart problems, weight gain, diabetes, and depression. Notice I say to get “restful” sleep each night. Leave your worries at the bedroom door and don’t watch anything violent or depressing, like the news, before you go to sleep. Clear your mind and drift off. After a few weeks of doing this you’ll notice the difference in how you feel.

Exercise for thirty minutes every day
I know that this is a hard one because most of us don’t enjoy exercise. Gym memberships are not cheap either and in a recession may not be an expense you cut out of your budget. However, you don’t need to go to the gym to exercise. Try walking. It’s a great way to lose calories and give you an energy boot. You can also try jump roping. It’s an inexpensive way to get a cardio work out. For strength training, you can do push ups and buy some dumbbells to work on your arm muscles. Of course sit-ups and crunches will help with tightening the midsection.

Drink more water and consume less caffeine and sugar
Drink the recommended 8 glasses of water to flush toxins out of your body and keep it cool during the heat of summer. Water is essential for healthy living. Reducing your intake of caffeine and sugar will ease the effects of stress on your body. After a few weeks you’ll begin to notice that you have a more positive mood.

Following these three tips will help you have a healthier summer and lifestyle for years to come. It will also save you money in future doctor bills.