REV UP YOUR SUMMER
By Nutrition Expert
Monday, June 13, 2011.
Exercise
is essential for your health. It is usually the first thing you give up
when you are over burdened and stressed, but it is exercise that helps
you deal effectively with the physical and psychological demands of a
hectic life.
A
couple of ten minute sessions each day will lead to increased stamina
as you power shop, garden, or embark upon creative hobbies. It will
also facilitate a long list of benefits to the mind, body and spirit.
Here are some ways exercise can stimulate your energy level:
• Let go of the guilt and schedule your exercise time
- Think of it as pampering yourself, but the effects last even longer
than a massage or facial. Don’t ignore your needs. Exercise is one of
the best ways to not only enhance your energy, but preserve your
sanity. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have energy or
patience for anyone else.
• Add activity to your lifestyle
- To renew your vigour throughout the day, get moving. Walk, bike, walk
stairs, dance…whatever. You’ll still be high on natural endorphins to
enjoy the summer days while everyone else is dragging.
• Find creative ways to integrate family time with exercise
- Your entire family will be healthier and more energised as a result
of physical activity. Don’t be a bystander at the playground this
Summer. Get up and join in the activities by pushing a jogging
stroller, hitting the hiking trails, running the bases, biking the
neighbourhood, climbing the jungle gym or swimming in the lake. As an
added perk, your kids will think you’re cool.
• Exercise first thing in the morning to jump start your day
- Your chances of sticking to your program increase significantly if
you exercise in the morning compared to later in the day when excuses
and fatigue take over. Your metabolism will be elevated for over 7
hours after a one hour morning workout, so you will have more stamina
then before to take you through the day.
• Make wholesome and nutritious food choices
- You are more likely to eat healthier meals if you exercise. The last
thing you will want to do is eat a heavy meal after getting the blood
pumping through your veins. Ultimately eating more nutritious food
along with regular exercise will lead to weight loss, which will
decrease the demands on your body and will increase your energy and
self esteem drastically.
• Get your zzz’s
- Regular exercise will lead to more quality sleep and require you to
sleep less. If you exercise early in the day you will be naturally
tired by bed-time and will have no problem falling into a deep slumber.
• Exercise will help to fortify you against colds and flu
– Participants of a regular exercise program are less likely to come
down with a cold or be as debilitated by one. Exercisers report less
symptoms and quicker recoveries from colds.
• If it feels good, do it
– Life can be full of feel good things so don’t be afraid to try
something silly or fun. Get up and get moving as you run barefoot
through the grass, dance or in-line skate to get your circulation
going. Summer is a perfect time for such exploration.
• Drink plenty of water
– Keep hydrated before, during and after exercise – particularly during
the hot Autumn evenings. Your body is made up primarily of water and
while water does not have calories to provide energy, it contributes to
weight loss and assisting your digestive system. Ample water will keep
the toxins flowing right out of your body.
• Try yoga
– Raise your energy level and ability to concentrate with the deep
breathing techniques used in yoga. Yoga builds balance, coordination,
strength, and is energising and wonderfully de-stressing as well.