Every time summer rolls around, the internet gets filled with all kinds of articles about achieving a summer or bikini body. These articles give tips on how to get a trim waist or bigger behind to fill out those two-piece bikinis perfectly, usually by urging you to go on a fad diet.
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to shed a few pounds, doing so for the wrong reasons may not be the best idea. You have to remember that these articles are just another way of putting pressure on people, especially women, to look a certain way.
So, instead of making bikini body your goal this summer, why not commit to the following health resolutions for your overall wellness?
1. Commit to drinking more water
Hydration is the easiest way to maintain overall wellness. All you have to do is to get up from whatever you’re doing, pour a glass of water, and drink it up. Since the summer heat can make you sweat more, staying hydrated is even more important this season so you can replenish the water your body loses.
2. Indulge in desserts
Going on a fad diet can make you do crazy things, like saying no to ice cream after dinner (the horror!). But the thing with these restrictive diets is they may lead to binge-eating later on, which is unhealthy. So when that sweet tooth strikes, indulge in desserts. Just remember to also go for ones that are as healthy as they are delicious, like dark chocolate or fruit-based ice cream.
3. Maintain great oral hygiene
How are you going to enjoy this summer if you’re writhing in pain from an abscessed tooth or when you can’t smile in pictures because of your crooked teeth? Keep up visits to your dentist and maintain oral hygiene at home. If you need braces or retainers, your ortho can order it for you from a dental lab. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth and make flossing a priority, too.
4. Walk before running
Often, fitness is equated to grueling workouts. But true wellness doesn’t mean working your body to exhaustion; it simply means living a less sedentary lifestyle. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by walking everywhere. Cue up your favorite playlist, audiobook, or podcast and start walking your dog, when you go for groceries, or when you simply want to clear your mind.
5. Reject diet mentality
It’s time to reject diet mentality once and for all. Instead of restrictive diets, focus on eating intuitively instead. This means eating what your body needs when it needs it. Feed your body nourishing food when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full, and eliminate the guilt of having a few mindful bites of dessert or snacks.
6. Rest your eyes, mind, and body
Living a less sedentary lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to be active all the time. Rest is just as important as movement. Take some time to just breathe every morning, carve out some self-care time, and give your eyes and mind a break from your phone an hour before you sleep. All of these can help you relax and feel grounded.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these six practices can help you start your journey into true wellness. By taking care of both your physical and mental health, you can be the best version of yourself this summer.
