The month of August is all about shifting into busy, back-to-school mode, and beginning to move from the more leisurely days of summer into the often frantically-paced fall.
Whether directly impacted by back-to-school schedules or just experiencing the approach of the autumnal equinox with daylight hours becoming shorter, our bodies may require a little extra care while they adjust with the season.
A FRESH personal commitment and focus on self-care in five primary areas of health can be beneficial.
1. F—Food
2. R—Rest
3. E—Exercise
4. S—Support
5. H—Hydration
F—Food: As we all know, food is fuel. When we feed our bodies nutrient-dense food, we fuel our bodies and minds to function well. During times of schedule change or stress, it is especially important to choose healthy foods rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that can empower us on a cellular level.
Here is a fabulous article about how to feed our brains: Food for thought: How to feed our brains better: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/02/partner-content-keeping-our-brain-healthy and a second article with some fueltastic ideas for healthy lunches: 51 Healthy Ways to Pack a Better Lunch: https://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/healthy-lunch-ideas.
R—Rest: During long summer days, when the sun sets late, it can become easy to get into a pattern of staying up late. However, we all know we feel better when we are well-rested. Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night and adequate restorative rest is vital for overall mental and physical health.
Here is a fascinating article that will make you want to go to sleep: The Power of Sleep: https://time.com/3326565/the-power-of-sleep.
E—Exercise: Even though moving towards fall can be extra busy, our schedules may shift from having many outdoor summer activities to increased sedentary time spent inside a classroom or office. Our bodies were made to move. Whether it is choosing to join a yoga class, working out at the gym, or taking a swim, prioritizing our body’s needs and making the conscious choice to exercise still every day can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing.
Here is an excellent article on the role exercise plays in making us feel good: 11 Amazing Reasons To Work Out That Have Nothing To Do With Weight Loss: https://www.self.com/story/11-amazing-reasons-to-work-out-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-weight-loss.
S—Support: When our schedules become packed, our ability to acknowledge, process, and communicate our daily experiences, thoughts, and emotions to our social support networks can sometimes suffer by default. Healthy communication often gets crunched during a time-crunch. However, taking the time to actively seek positive ways to connect, communicate feelings, and give and accept support from each other daily is essential self-care and a proactive approach to promoting inner harmony and health.
Here is an article about the essential health benefits of social support: Social support: Tap this tool to beat stress: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445.
H—Hydration: As always, hydration is crucial to our health. But as the days become cooler and we spend our hours engrossed in indoor work and learning, it can be easy to forget to get the recommended 6-8 glasses of water daily. Water is vital to our bodies in numerous ways, and healthy hydration even improves mood and concentration. Frequently refilling our water bottles can increase our health and our happiness.
Here is an interesting article on the relationship between hydration and happiness: Can Too Little H2O Impact Your Mood? Stay hydrated get happy: https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/can-too-little-h2o-impact-your-mood.
As summer comes to a close, and we rush towards a busy fall, we can daily choose healthy self-care, and be intentional about reFRESHing our minds and bodies with a renewed focus on the five!
Disclaimer: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always check with your doctor before making lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition.