Part 5
Make Health Happen This Summer
The summer season is fully upon us. With that comes warmer weather, longer days and the activities we all know and love—i.e. barbecues, swimming, camping, etc.
But summer is also a great time to reset and reclaim your health! If you’re looking to do just that but don’t know where to start, here are some ways you can take advantage of the summer season and set yourself up for success all year long.
Part 5: Reconnect with Friends and Family
Ultimately, this is the most important step you can take in optimizing your health this summer. Being a part of a strong community fulfills the vital requirement for purpose, meaning and support that all humans share. When the desire to connect is fulfilled, it creates better patterns of living that positively influence health. And these benefits go far beyond mental or emotional wellbeing—research indicates that there are actual physical changes associated with healthy relationships. These include strengthening of the immune system, parasympathetic activation (reducing stress and cortisol excretion), and changes in traditional health markers like blood pressure, body mass, etc.
Take some time this summer to be purposeful with your relationships and reconnect whenever possible. Plan a day-trip, call someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time or simply try to connect with as many people as possible at your next get-together. Not only is this a great strategy for enhancing emotional wellbeing, but it also plays an invaluable role in creating optimal, biological health as well!
Conclusion
The summer season is one of opportunity—the opportunity to grow, work towards better habits, strengthen your relationship with nature and reconnect with family and friends. Not to mention, the most purposeful practices you can work towards integrating this summer are 1.) generally free and 2.) enjoyable—i.e. trips to the beach, time spent in the sun, local food, etc. This year, reclaim your health and set yourself up for long-term wellness by taking advantage of all the summer has to offer!
The summer season is fully upon us. With that comes warmer weather, longer days and the activities we all know and love—i.e. barbecues, swimming, camping, etc.
But summer is also a great time to reset and reclaim your health! If you’re looking to do just that but don’t know where to start, here are some ways you can take advantage of the summer season and set yourself up for success all year long.
Part 5: Reconnect with Friends and Family
Ultimately, this is the most important step you can take in optimizing your health this summer. Being a part of a strong community fulfills the vital requirement for purpose, meaning and support that all humans share. When the desire to connect is fulfilled, it creates better patterns of living that positively influence health. And these benefits go far beyond mental or emotional wellbeing—research indicates that there are actual physical changes associated with healthy relationships. These include strengthening of the immune system, parasympathetic activation (reducing stress and cortisol excretion), and changes in traditional health markers like blood pressure, body mass, etc.
Take some time this summer to be purposeful with your relationships and reconnect whenever possible. Plan a day-trip, call someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time or simply try to connect with as many people as possible at your next get-together. Not only is this a great strategy for enhancing emotional wellbeing, but it also plays an invaluable role in creating optimal, biological health as well!
Conclusion
The summer season is one of opportunity—the opportunity to grow, work towards better habits, strengthen your relationship with nature and reconnect with family and friends. Not to mention, the most purposeful practices you can work towards integrating this summer are 1.) generally free and 2.) enjoyable—i.e. trips to the beach, time spent in the sun, local food, etc. This year, reclaim your health and set yourself up for long-term wellness by taking advantage of all the summer has to offer!