Get A Head Start On Summer

Spring is in full bloom with flowers blossoming, unpredictable weather patterns offering a wild mix of sunny days, rain and temperatures gradually increasing. Now that summer sun and warmer weather is just around the corner, it is the perfect time to start feeling light, fresh and energetic. No need to wait around for June’s official start to summer, the time is to start preparing now!

Below are a few tips for you to get your body, mind and soul ready for the summer.

1. April Showers, bring May Flowers

It is essential for you to get more water into your body daily, as it is a key behaviour for promoting healthy metabolism, increase energy levels and glow your skin. We often overlook how important it is to hydrate ourselves for better health. If you are that person who is eating healthy, exercising and still are unable to lose weight, start by hydrating. You will be astonished how great you will feel.

2. Please pass the plants!

 Load up your bowl, plate and glass with as many plants as you can! With spring bloom comes fresh herbs, and more natural produce available at the market and stores. While the local produce may still be on its way, you should find domestic, organic and natural products. The more vibrant, colourful fruits and veggies you eat and drink, the better you can feel while trimming down the waistline!

3. Set Your Reminders

Take your leftover New Year’s resolution and wish list for weight loss and turn it into a regular action. Stop feeling like you “can” and get to doing the impossible. Whether it is setting a reminder to drink water, eating lunch, relishing on veggies for a snack or going to the store, making your to-do list more automated can help you turn your goals into a reality. It is hard to ignore your phones loud alarm and it can help being a friendly nudge in the healthier direction that was missing.

4. Enjoy the Rainbow

Spring’s beautiful array of bright, vibrant colours which can be found in houseplants, flowers, fruits and vegetables, doesn’t brighten up a rainy day but it also brings a wealth of immune supportive nutrients to your body. Eating the rainbow is key for optimal wellness, because every colour boosts a unique yet equally important phytonutrients that can help fight colds, and promote glowing skins. Start incorporating in a fresh juice to your breakfast or snack each day!

5. Take the advantage of a beautiful day

Winter may have left an impression on your couch but now it is time to get up and start moving around. When the weather allows, get outside for a walk, run or jog! Try to complete as many errands as possible my foot. If you cannot get to your destination in a reasonable amount of time from your home, pick a central location to park and walk to as many stores as you can safely access.

Try watching Netflix of listening to music while walking on the treadmill. Keep your mind and body active to help pump up your metabolism and reap its slimming effects.

6. Substitute your winter wardrobe with light and airy summer outfits

A little bit of summer sun is what we wait the whole year for. The hot days are almost here so it is just about time to put away and pack those winter sweaters and cosy socks, as comfy as they may be. What could be more pleasant than being able to finally twirl around in the park or garden in light and soft summer clothing. This is a great opportunity for you to discover the latest summer trends and find a summer dress.

Magazines have removed the summer trend for 2021 which is to focus on gentle flowers and soft colours. Trends will be all around pastel colours, embroider, balloon sleeves, zebra and floral prints and natural fabrics. Forget about synthetics that make you sweat in the summer and put on comfortable pretty cotton fabrics.

With things easing, prepare your trips to the beach and lake in your new bathing suits and comfy summer clothes. And last but not the least, consider getting out those sandals that even your feet can enjoy the sunshine. But do not forget the golden rule to always polish your nails to show off the pretty toes and fingers.

7. Keep Up the Vitamin D

While sunny days might be getting more prevailing, if you have Vitamin d deficiency, you must consume supplements which will help you with the same. Our Better You Vitamin D range are specially formulated to deliver vitamin D through the soft tissue of the mouth for optimal absorption.

Vitamin D is important for overall health including mood upliftment, fighting fatigue, muscle cramps, bone health and may be cancer preventive. You may be able to decrease your usage in summer but check it with your general practitioner or dietitian. 

8. Stock up on Sunscreen

The products you relied on last summer are likely expired or will be by the time you require them this year. Before the rush to buy sunscreen starts, consider purchasing a new one for your body and another for your face. That way, when the first really nice days’ start rolling in around unexpectedly, you will be ready to head outside without fear of sunburn or expired SPF.

9. Start Exfoliating Now

Get into the habit of exfoliating early and often. Scrubbing your whole body may seem a little tiresome in the shower, but it genuinely makes a huge difference not only in the overall health of your skin but also in its ability to absorb moisturising products. And not for nothing, but shaving your hands and legs will be a whole lot more pleasant if you bog off those winter layers of dead skin first.

10. Detox

While you wait for the bounty of in-season summer produce that awaits, consider detoxing yourself a bit. Whether it is adding a scoop of greens to your morning smoothie or juice, upping the healthy bacteria into your gut to fight winter bloating or experimenting with some vegan dishes. Small steps now will mean you have the energy to get out and become a healthy person when the weather calls for it.  

11. Give your skin a makeover from inside out and outside in

Natural food based skin care is important for your body. While eating more fruits, vegetables and plant based foods can help promote glowing skin, getting some of the same ingredients onto your skin will also leave you looking feeling gorgeous. If you have a sensitive skin, look out for food sensitivities to gluten and dairy and do your best to avoid processed foods. Being well hydrated also helps in keeping your skin glowing.

12. Don’t Go It Alone

Chilly temperatures and dark afternoons often leave us in a rut of work or school and then straight home. Socializing is key for weight loss which might sound surprising cause these events typically revolve around drinks and food and not always healthy foods. Rather than embarking on a summer slender plan all by yourself, get the power of community by joining with other like-minded people seeking wellness and if possible an expert couch to guide you in every step.

13. Do your wellness homework

Being prepared and doing your homework is part of any solid plan. Summer offers you access to many opportunities for wellness but without a proper plan they may often pass by. To take care of your health and wellness below are a few ways:

• Map out a plan for a walk before or after dinner with your spouse, partner, neighbour or friend. Plan for catching up on your day over a stroll around the city rather than on the yard with a glass of wine. Get these social fitness sessions locked into your calendar now
• Take a look and identify places, days and time for farmer’s markets so that you can build it into your reminder schedule
• Local produce is often higher and better in nutrients and tastes the best!
• Seek out weekend sports, whether it is a hike, trail run, bike ride or water activity like rowing, kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing. Scheduling a Saturday or Sunday outdoor fun days is a great way to keep fit and experience the beauty of the season.

14. Spring clean your kitchen and pantry

Window washing, wiping the refrigerator shelves, scrubbing the floor, etc are all spring cleaning tasks that feel great. Taking a deep dive into dust and dirt that’s been gathering can be empowering. Just think how amazing it will make you feel to purge and clean your kitchen cabinets, fridge, spice rack, freezer and pantry of any foods that don’t fit into your “Get Ready for Summer” wellness plan. Below is my step to step guide on achieving it:

• Toss anything potentially rotten – smell spice jars, trail mix, cereal and oil. With summer arriving, make a plan and arrange your cabinets as required.
• Donate unopened boxes and bags of crackers, chips, cookies, candy and chocolate to local food shelters, community centres, senior living, offices or churches that collect and send these items to the needy. Ice cream and unopened refrigerated products can also be donated to many food centres.
• If you cannot get these out of your house without causing an uproar by your kids, look into getting a separate freezer in the basement of identify one cabinet to hold these items.
• Restock now as you have got a clean cupboard, and stock your shelves with healthy items and products.

15. Continue to follow social distancing tips and get use to wearing face masks

You deserve summer and all the happy vibes that follow with it. However, you will have to remain calm and conscious. No one wants to experience a second wave of the coronavirus and not to confined themselves in these amazing summers. Hence it is important to assume your responsibilities and follow the government guidelines.

Also, wearing a face mask is essential in any public places and can be a great way of respecting your fellow citizens. Many small businesses now offer fabric face masks to the public. Get in style this summer with floral and stylish face masks which go along with your outfits.