Self-Care & Seasonal Depression
October 11, 2024
Summer is here, and while we want you to maximize the fun in the sun, it’s time to focus on adopting healthy habits. Check out these summer self-care tips to make sure you are taking care of yourself and having fun.
The sun’s rays not only stimulate your body to produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient for your immune system and bone health, but it also provides many other benefits. For example, research shows that sunlight may help prevent depression, fight cancer, and heal certain skin conditions. However, too much sun can be a bad thing. For example, cancer and dehydration are side effects of excessive sun exposure. So, you should protect yourself if you plan on spending a lot of time outside by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or taking breaks in the shade.
When it is extremely hot in the summer, a person can quickly become dehydrated and risk suffering a heat stroke. So be sure to drink plenty of water when you are outdoors. By its nature, water enhances muscle function, helps regulate body temperature, promotes cardiovascular health, and improves the health of your skin.
A regular exercise routine is ideal for improving your health, boosting your immune system, enhancing your mood, and helping you control your weight. That doesn’t mean you have to exercise at the gym. Instead, step away from the treadmill and take a walk outdoors. Take a walk, a swim, or join a sports league; exercise will no longer seem like work.
Whether you’ve been soaking up the sun or working hard in the office, make sure you practice self-care and give yourself a break. It is especially important to relax and take care of yourself when you have sore muscles or anxiety. Every part of your body is affected by chronic stress, which can highly damage your health. So spend some time relaxing in the bath, reading a book, or getting a massage to calm your stress levels and promote overall wellness.
Talk to our chiropractors at Livingston County Chiropractic to learn more about taking care of yourself with healthy habits this summer. Schedule a consultation today to begin your summer self-care plan.