With summer comes lazy days in the sun, ice cream in the shade, and barbecues at the beach. Summer is a wonderful, magical time of year that inspires visions of lounging and leisure. But, summer also provides an amazing opportunity to get a headstart on a new, healthy lifestyle! A little extra time off can be the perfect chance to really consider how you can improve your habits. Luckily, Class Tracker is here with five easy tips for creating a new and healthier you!
Share this article with your friends and let us know what your plans are for getting your life on track this summer in the comments! We’re excited to hear from you!
1. DRINK MORE WATER
This one seems fairly simple, I know. Instead of reaching for a coffee, soda, or juice, pour yourself a glass of water next time. Drinking plenty of water can improve your complexion, help you lose weight (if that’s your goal), flush out toxins, and help you maintain a strong immune system. If you need a little help remembering to drink water consistently, you may want to consider a tech-inspired water bottle like H20Pal, a bottle that tracks your intake and reminds you when you’re due for another drink. If you just don’t like the taste of water, bottles with built-in infusers are a great way to go. The Infusion Pro and the AquaFrut are both amazing options.
2. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Whether you’re a teenager or a twenty-something, you should be getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night. Quantity is important, but don’t forget about the quality of your sleep. Deep sleep is as vital to your health as water and food. Technology isn’t helping with this one. The blue light from your phone and laptop screens has been scientifically proven to disrupt your sleep pattern and even prevent you from getting to sleep. Apps like Pillow and Sleep Cycle can track your sleep habits and even wake you up based on your body’s natural sleep rhythms. Setting aside an hour before bedtime to just read or listen to music, instead of scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, is another way to unwind and get your brain ready for sleep.
3. EXERCISE
Exercise, whether it’s for muscle gain, mental health, weight loss, or to improve your metabolism, is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fitting in time to exercise, though, is tricky with a busy school or work schedule. Additionally, gym fees and yoga classes can get pretty expensive. With some time on your hands this summer, find an exercise routine that works for you. Apps can help keep you on track. Couch to 5K Running App acts like a personal trainer and, as its name advertises, can take you from the couch to a 5K. Sworkit allows you to create customized routines, down to the amount of time you want to exercise and which muscle groups you want to work. Qinetic is a service that live streams classes, from yoga to medicine ball workouts. Other great exercise resources include the Peloton app, the Be.come Project, Obe fitness, and Aaptiv. While some of these programs charge a small monthly fee, they often include free trials so you can find one that works for you.
4. MEDITATE
Meditation and mindfulness are scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, enhance problem solving skills, benefit your immune system, and increase your overall happiness. With benefits like these, how can you not give meditation a try? Apps like Calm, and Headspace offer guided meditations and mindfulness programs. Start meditating for just a few minutes each day and see if it changes your well being.
5. EAT A BALANCED DIET
Eating well seems deceptively easy. But, in a world where DoorDash and Uber Eats exist, it’s tough to prioritize grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking. The meal planning tools on Choose My Plate can help you strategically plan meals in advance, based on your BMI, age, and more. Plan to Eat is another excellent resource for planning meals and menus.
Now that you have some tips for healthy living, how do you make sure you follow through? A Class Tracker planner can help you keep track of your healthy habits, schedule workouts, and make grocery lists so that you stay accountable and on track.
Take this summer to prioritize yourselves, Class Trackers! Remember that academic success is dependent on personal health and happiness, so make room for wellness in your life.