With the weather warming up, and the school year coming to a close, it's safe to say that summer is right around the corner. If you've begun to shop sandal and swim suit sales, you are right on schedule. But this summer, I've decided that my top priority won't just be getting tan and making money. I've decided to make a list of healthy lifestyle choices to not only look good, but feel good.
More times than none, people are confident with their appearance when they feel good on the inside. I am a huge supporter of self love. So, after a cold and sluggish winter, I feel it is important to find a healthy lifestyle routine to get into, so I can feel better about myself.
1. Eat right. 
Eating properly and providing your body with proper nutrients will not only contribute to your hard work at the gym, but actually make you more energized. The best foods to fill your body with are fruits and veggies, protein and whole grains. Consuming dairy in moderation is okay too, but too much can cause digestive discomfort. Foods that we often turn to for comfort usually make us tired: fats, sugar and grains. Whether you're a snacker like me, or a three-meal eater, making healthy choices is very possible to do, with preparation and dedication.
This summer, I plan to meal prep, juice and balance my diet. You can try this to by setting time aside to shop for fresh food. Give yourself a variety so you don't get bored of the same meals. Try starting your day off with a smoothie rich with vegetables and fruit (even some protein) to get that boost of energy. Make sure to eat throughout the day, and balance what you eat!
2. Rest up.
Getting enough sleep is something I am desperately looking forward to after a long semester away at school. The lack of sleep often makes people over tired, grumpy and foggy. Aside from that, with not enough hours of sleep, the hard work to exercise and eat right will eventually burn you out. Sometimes, it is not being lazy, but listening to your body. When your body is tired, rest.
Summer nights are usually filled with fun and adventure, so I've decided to make sure I sleep for at least eight hours, four times per week this summer.
3. Exercise daily.
Staying fit does not mean you have to break the bank. Some may enjoy going to the gym like me, others may like to work out on their own. Either way, there are so many different types of workouts to keep yourself in shape. Some of the new trends are "slider workouts", using paper plates on your hardwood floor, right in your home. With that being said, there is no excuse why one cannot find time to exercise.
Exercising does not even mean doing an hour of cardio or fifty squats. It can be taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking the further parking spot at the mall. Finding small ways to get steps in during the day, in addition to doing an exercise or two to keep your body moving, will only benefit the way you look and feel.
This summer, I plan to increase the time I spend at the gym, and set goals for myself. Trying out new workouts and stretches will keep this process exciting.
4. Hydrate.
Drinking water not only refreshes you during the hot summer months, but it helps your body to keep moving. Water hydrates our skin, giving us that nice glow, and it acts as a natural cleanser to our bodies. The common guide to water consumption per day is called "8X8". Physicians suggest that we drink eight 8-oz glasses of water per day, which is about a half gallon. This may seem like a lot of water (which many feel is bland and tasteless), but there are ways to switch it up to make hydrating enjoyable.
This summer, I plan to drink water according to the 8X8 rule, but I'd like to try some new things. Fruit and vegetable infused water can provide an abundance of variety for me, so I don't tired of drinking water.
5. Decompress.
Taking time to treat yourself is beyond important when changing your lifestyle. Keeping to a routine and putting your body through new stresses (even though they are beneficial) can take a toll on you. Therefore, setting time aside to relax and unwind will only benefit you and your health. Getting some sun, reading a magazine (yes, put your phone away), or taking up yoga will give your mind a rest, give your body a break and hopefully, put a smile on your face!
This summer, I plan to do something I've done in the past, which is a media cleanse. By shutting off my phone for a certain amount of time per day, I will be able to do something for myself without any distractions. Sometimes, we get caught up in life and forget about the little things. Taking a second to breathe and take it all in won't do you any harm.
Deciding to make these changes this summer is the first step to creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle for myself. After being away at school, not eating great or getting to the gym as much as I'd like, I feel the need to take these few months to revamp myself. By using these five methods, I hope to not only see improvements on the outside, but feel them on the inside. Give it a try!
