As summer approaches we all want to look and feel our best without spending all our time worrying about exercise or how we're eating. To stay refreshed over the summer it helps to wake up early (I know, its awful), immediately drink some warm water, then pull on a baggy top and running bottoms. Go outside no matter what the weather is and do something active. Walk your dog for 10 minutes, skip down the block, jog for five minutes, or you can be like me and try to set a goal of running a mile a day. I like setting small goals for myself alongside long term goals, because then, everyday regardless, if you complete a small goal, you accomplished something. In running a mile a day I can take my time and jog, or sprint it out and try to speed up my time. When I'm done, I just need to turn around and go inside.
Then it's good to have some sliced fruit: bananas, oranges, mangoes. Bananas will give you energy to start the day; oranges help keep your skin clear. Watermelon helps control your heart rate, and an apple a day can help your body develop resistance against infections. Then go drink some water, ice cold and refreshing. Drink water throughout the day. I like to get a big water bottle and fill it with lemon slices and ice. Lemon water is really good to detox your body, and it also adds a little flavour so you don't get bored just drinking water all day. Then (this is my favourite part), take a shower. Get some shampoo that smells nice and some conditioner. I go with vanilla and warm scents in the winter, and coconut/refreshing scents in the summer. When you're done in the shower, put on some lotion, and take a look in the mirror.
You've already accomplished so much, and the day hasn't even started. Then get dressed, whatever you're feeling for the day, your favourite outfit, some comfy jeans and a T-shirt. Let your hair air dry, then go look in a mirror. Pick out three things that you love (this was hard for me at first, but it gets easier). Look at your eyes, or your cheekbones, the way you hold yourself, refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
Drink some more water, then do something for yourself. I'd alternate every day with either something relaxing, like reading a book outside, painting my nails, calling my friends from school, or going on a walk through a park, and with something that challenges me and develops my person. My goal for the summer (after being inspired by my cousins) is to spend my free time learning french, learning a new song on the guitar, looking up healthy easy meals I can make and then pack up to bring to work with me. Anything.
Then the day is your own. This will make everyday perfect. You've done so much, you're refreshed and feeling good. Nothing has stopped you yet. Theres only loving and laughing and living. A teacher in high school once told me, make a list of little things, little everyday things that you love. It's going to be hard, but its good to recognize the little things we often take for granted. Then everyday you can check items off the list, and it makes you happier. For me its easy things, like waking up before my alarm, putting on new socks, or taking clothes out of the dryer. Putting on lotion or taking a shower. Additionally, I try to make someone laugh before lunch time, because it makes me happier.
If you do this everyday, I can assure you, you'll feel happier and more refreshed, and all that positivity will amplify the great things about yourself, and your summer. You can do this.
