Self-care isn’t just a bubble bath by candlelight or spa massage. It’s about making a little space in your every day to focus on you, and the health of your body, mind and spirit. For some, playing a round of golf or game of tennis brings them joy. For others, all it takes is a good book and a cup of coffee. As the days of summer grow longer and weather warmer, you can create lots of opportunities for that kind of personal attention—or maybe even find new ways to support your health and well-being. Here are seven ideas to help make this summer a season of self-care.
1. Walk more.
That warm summer breeze through your open window beckons you outdoors—so lace up your sneakers and heed the call. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or regimented to an hour-long class. Simply choose to move more often—and it doesn’t get an easier than going for a walk.
Take a “just-because” stroll around the neighborhood or a hike in a nearby park to clear your head and feel that sun on your face. A body of research has shown walking regularly can help ease stress and improve your mood. When the temperature rises, follow these five warm weather walking tips to keep you on track and safe. Here are 10 more reasons to start walking today.
2. Make a songs of summer playlist.
You know exactly what you are going to read when you’re on the beach. But what are you going to listen to on your way to the shore, or while cleaning your house, or waiting to pick up your kids from camp, or anytime you want to feel good?
Music can be an easy way to lift your spirits, reduce stress and motive you to move. A recent review of 26 studies suggests listening to music, and even singing, can improve mental health and overall well-being. In fact, it can have just as much of a positive impact on mind as exercise or weight loss.
Need a little playlist inspiration? Here are 10 of our most favorite, make-you-smile songs:
Your Happy Music Playlist
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3. Practice Om outdoors.
If the idea of a yoga class with a large of group of people does the opposite of relax you, no worries. There are lots of ways to meditate, from simple breathing to body scanning. They all offer different benefits and can be done alone (and for free) at home.
Here are some everyday ways to practice meditation. Choose your favorite, then try it outside. Meditating in nature can help activate your senses and make you more mindful.
4. Explore a local farmer’s market.
Bright red and blue berries, fresh-picked peaches and peppers, plump tomatoes, summer squash and tons of greens. Spend a fun Sunday afternoon wandering the aisles of a local market. Not only are these seasonal fruits and veggies gorgeous to look at, but they’re also super healthy and tasty. Let the colors and scents inspire your picks, and maybe even toss a new food or two into your basket.
Need some prep ideas for your bounty? Check out these easy summer salad recipes! >
5. Do a DIY facial.
A little self-pampering is good for your soul but there’s no need to head to a spa. Just slip on your favorite robe or jammies, play some soft music or diffuse essential oils to set the mood. Use a hydrating sheet face mask from your favorite beauty supply store, or search for recipes online and make your own. Then just lay back and let it infuse moisture into your skin, while you relax on your couch.
Check out these easy summer skin care tips to keep your skin glowing, even in the hottest weather:
Summer Skin Care: 8 Tips to Keep Your Skin Glowing in Hot Weather
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6. Reconnect with friends.
As important part of self-care is spending time with people who make you feel good. Strong friendships can give you a sense of purpose, boost happiness and reduce stress, so make time to build them.
Enjoy a picnic lunch with a friend at the park or on your patio. Plan a beach day together or search for treasures at neighborhood yard sales. Friends can also encourage you to change unhealthy habits—and even help you lose weight. Here’s how! >
7. Go tech-free.
Not all day, every day—but even for just a couple of hours a week or, say, every morning during breakfast, sign off social media, stop scrolling through pics and posts, and disconnect from all things tech. Maybe you read a book or newspaper with your coffee, or sit outside and chat with a neighbor. No matter how you choose to spend your screen-free time, the point is to put down your phone, turn off the TV and simply unplug so that you can recharge and focus on you.
For ideas to fill your tech-free time, here are six awesome summer activities (that just so happen to burn serious calories).
The post 7 Self-Care Ideas for a Stress-Free Summer appeared first on The Leaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there natural alternatives to prescription drugs such as Phentermine that suppress appetite?
Green tea extract is the best option for anyone looking to lose weight without having to take prescription diet pills. Green tea extract has caffeine that stimulates metabolism. Also, epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) helps reduce fat by stimulating thermogenesis.
Green tea also contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and help protect against damage caused by stress and oxidation.
However, it’s important to note that green tea does not cause weight loss. Green tea simply improves your body’s ability to burn calories.
Yes, green Tea can aid in weight loss. But, it won’t help you lose weight unless your diet is controlled in calories.
L-Carnitine supplementation is also an option. This amino acid promotes muscle development and energy levels. However, it won’t curb your appetite so you will still need to eat regular meals.
What drink burns belly fat overnight?
Drinking lots water is the best way fast to lose weight. Water is a great way to burn calories and keep you fuller for longer. This will make it less likely that you snack on sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods. Water flushes toxins from your system and helps keep your skin young and healthy.
The easiest thing for most people to do when they’re dieting is to skip meals. You’ll feel less hungry later on because your metabolism slows. Try eating small, frequent meals instead.
You might find yourself craving snacks. Drink more water. Drinking less water can cause your body to burn calories at a slower rate and make you crave sugary drinks. To enhance the detoxifying properties of your water, add a squeeze of lemon to it.
Drinking lots of water will help you lose weight. It will make you feel fuller faster. Research shows that people who drink eight glasses of water each day tend to weigh less than their counterparts who only drink four cups. This is because water helps you feel full without adding calories.
It is best to wait 30 minutes when you first wake up. After 10-15 minutes after waking, hormones such as insulin start working to regulate blood sugar levels. These hormone surges often send us into hunger mode. It is better to wait until the surge of blood sugar occurs before we crash.
After breakfast, have a mid-morning snack. It is a good idea to eat something between lunch and dinner. This will help you avoid overeating later in your day. Consider eating a piece fruit or whole grain bread with peanut butter.
Try not to eat too close to bedtime. Studies show that we metabolize nutrients more efficiently when we sleep so staying slim is easier when you go to bed earlier.
Don’t go to bed starving! Before you go to sleep, eat a light dinner. You may be surprised how much food you will need to fall asleep.
You can add green tea to you daily routine. Catechins in green tea are plant compounds that can reduce inflammation and improve metabolism. In a Journal of Nutrition study, it was found that people who drank three cups of green-tea daily lost more weight then those who did not. Another study found that green tea consumption led to a 3 percent increase in metabolic rate for men over the course of 12 weeks.
Can African Mango Extract contain Caffeine?
A study was done on the daily intake of caffeine by an average person. Surprisingly, the results of this study were unexpected.
A cup of coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine, while a small glass of cola contains around 40mg. What if you could get caffeine without having to consume any calories?
That’s where African mango extract comes in! It is a great source of energy, with the same benefits as caffeine, but without sugar or calories.
African mango extract can also help increase focus and concentration as well as improve brain function.
African Mango Extract – Should you Try It?
Mangoes have numerous health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and iron. They also contain antioxidants which help prevent cancer-causing free radicals. They are an excellent choice for people who want to improve their health.
Mangoes are delicious and have another benefit. This makes it easy to incorporate them into any meal.
For example, fresh mango slices can be added to salads, smoothies or oatmeal. You can also use frozen mango cubes to top ice cream sundaes. It’s also possible to use dried mango powder instead of sugar when baking cookies.
If you are looking for great health benefits, but without compromising on flavor, try adding mango extract into your favorite recipes.
Many people do not know that mango extract is made out of mango seeds. This means that it doesn’t contain the same nutrients found as whole mangos. However, it does not have the sweetness of regular mangos.
How can you suppress your appetite?
Eat small, frequent meals throughout your day to reduce hunger pangs. This keeps your blood sugar levels in check and helps reduce hunger pangs.
Drinking plenty of water and taking herbal supplements, such as bittermelon or Ginseng, may work better than eating purely food.
Avoid carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, or pasta. They give you a quick boost and then a huge crash.
Choose protein-rich foods like lean meats and fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts. These foods will provide you with sustained energy and help maintain your blood sugar level.
You should also avoid sugary snacks like cakes, sodas, candy, and chocolate bars. These can make you feel hungry and bloated.
Instead, choose healthier options like fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, and whole grain cereals.
You shouldn’t be relying on miracle products or fad diets to lose weight.
Can I lose weight just by drinking smoothies?
Smoothies are full nutrients, fiber, vitamin, and vitamins that will help you stay healthy.
They are also very low in calories and have very little fat. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, and even as an after-dinner snack. You can eat them at any time of day, but they taste best when fresh from the blender.
Smoothies make it quick and easy. All you need are fruit, milk, water, and ice. Add nuts, seeds or flaxseed oil to make it even more delicious. You have the option to add nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, and any other ingredients you like. This diet can be tried by anyone who has a smoothiemaker.
It may surprise you how quickly your body begins to burn more calories than it normally does. With the right combination of ingredients you can see results in as little time as four weeks.
If you’re looking for the best natural food weight loss products, you’ve come to the right place. Here we go through all the top-rated natural weight loss supplements on Amazon.
Do smoothie cleanses work?
The main question is whether your body is getting rid of toxic substances. If you are not, then there may be another problem.
To make a cleanse work, it must eliminate all toxins from your body.
If this isn’t the case, then you either don’t drink enough water or haven’t been eating well.
You might also want to reduce your salt intake and avoid caffeine.
Other reasons that you might not get results include:
- Your digestive system isn’t functioning correctly. This means that your body isn’t taking in what you’re taking in.
- Not enough protein is being consumed. Protein helps build muscle tissue.
- You’re consuming too much carbs. Carbs are stored calories.
- Sugar is too high in your diet. Sugar causes insulin spikes in your bloodstream. This can slow down your metabolism.
- You’re not getting enough fats. You need to ingest certain vitamins.
- You are consuming too few essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs have been proven to reduce inflammation.
- Your fiber intake is too low. Fiber absorbs cholesterol and bile salts. Fiber speeds up digestion.
- Not enough vitamin C is being consumed. This is essential for collagen production. Collagen helps keep skin elastic and firm.
- You are eating too little. You should measure your portions using a standard cup measuring device.
- It is possible to consume too much alcohol. It can cause severe dehydration.
- You are consuming too high levels of caffeine. Too much caffeine is toxic for the liver.
- Consuming too little magnesium can lead to a deficiency in your bones and muscles. Magnesium is essential for strong bones and healthy muscles.
- You are consuming too less potassium. Potassium is required to maintain fluid balance.
Statistics
- A 2008 survey noted that 33.9% of American adults trying to lose weight took dietary supplements (1Trusted (healthline.com)
- After 10 weeks, the CQ-only group experienced an 8.8% decrease in body weight, and the CQ and AME group an 11.8% decrease, on average. (healthline.com)
- According to a 2014 review, even prescription weight loss pills don’t work as well as you might assume. (healthline.com)
- A 2003 meta-analysis of studies found that people taking orlistat for 12 months in combination with lifestyle changes saw a 2.9% greater weight reduction than the placebo group (26Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- Vitamin C:62% of the Daily Value (DV) (healthline.com)
External Links
healthline.com
cdc.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- IGOB131, a novel West African seed extract, reduces bodyweight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight patients in a double-blind placebo controlled study – PMC
- A case of renal failure developing in association with African mango consumption – PMC
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- A novel herbal formula for weight management: Efficacy, tolerability and effectiveness – Stern – 2013 – Obesity Wiley Online Library
- Forskolin Consumption is Associated With Body Composition, Hormonal Adaptations and Obesity in Obese Men – Godard – 2005 Obesity Research – Wiley Online Library
How To
How to naturally lose weight
The most effective way to lose weight naturally is through dieting. Dieting is very difficult if you think there is no other option besides dieting. There are many methods to lose weight naturally, and they don’t require you to diet. One of these methods is exercise. Because it only requires active movement, this method is very simple. While working out, your metabolism is stimulated and you burn calories quicker than usual. In addition, some foods help us burn fat effectively and quickly. Consume green tea, cucumbers (or broccoli), apples, honey, and other healthy foods.
Several natural remedies help reduce weight by burning extra fats from your body. Before you read this article, be sure to know your best options. You may find any of the methods listed here suitable if you carefully read them.
- Green Tea Daily is a great way to reduce belly fat and protect your heart health. The antioxidants found in green tea can increase metabolism and improve energy levels. According to some studies, drinking two cups of green tea per day could lead to a weight loss of up 10 pounds.
- Cucumbers: They have water and fiber. This makes them light yet filling. Cucumber consumption regularly lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent obesity. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, it was found that those who consumed 1/4 cup of raw cucumber daily lost twice the weight than those who did not eat cucumbers.
- Broccoli is an excellent choice. Broccoli also contains potassium, folate, and vitamin K, making it a great source of nutrients. Broccoli can be a great addition to your diet. The average American consumes two portions of broccoli per week.
- Honey can be added to your food – Honey can have many health benefits. A study published in Diabetes Care showed that people who added honey were more likely to have higher blood sugar levels. Another study demonstrated that small amounts added to meals and honey helped reduce appetite, and also reduced total calories.
- Mix Citrus Fruits into your Diet Antioxidants combat cell damage from harmful substances known as free radicals. Free radicals contribute towards aging skin, hair and joint problems, as well as poor memory, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and cancer. Free radicals can cause premature aging of our cells. Studies have shown that grapefruit and citrus fruits can slow down our bodies’ ageing process.
