Here we are in the middle of the summer. Many people are saying that the summer is over--not me! I am a die-hard summer gal and do not give up the ghost until the night before the kids go back to school. Oh, sure, I get a little panicked amidst the enrolling for school and school shopping. But, I say, the summer is still here and doing just fine--thank you very much!
Close your eyes and feel the warm wind on your face. Listen closely and hear the locusts in the trees. Wait until just after dark and chase a firefly. And smell the deep woods bug spray. Yes, these are all the sights, sounds and smells of summer and we should not be so quick to wish them away.
So now open your eyes and answer the question: Have you taken the time to get out and enjoy the out-of-doors?
I have heard so many people use the word “busy” and it makes me nuts. We are only as busy as we allow ourselves to be. Some of us have busied ourselves until our children have left the nest, busied ourselves all the way to retirement, and many have busied ourselves, sadly, into the grave.
We can choose to stop the maddening cycle and get off the carousel. It is our choice.
Recent reports have indicated that Americans are trying to become more healthy simply by changing one or two things in their daily routine.
Using data from more than 153,000 adults from all 50 states, the researchers found that only
- three percent of U.S. adults maintain a healthy lifestyle with all four healthy lifestyle characteristics. Seventy-six percent of are nonsmoking. People were less likely to smoke if they were older, had more education, higher incomes and were in general better health. The 40.1 percent maintaining a healthy weight were likely to be younger, better educated and also in general better health.
- Only 23.3 percent of people reported consuming five or more fruits and vegetables a day and only
- 22.2 percent reported undertaking regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five times a week).
Encourage your employees to get out and enjoy the out-of-doors. Outdoor living makes people healthier and happier and in the end, more productive.
So pass on these ideas:
Take a day trip/drive. Get in your car and drive. Put the windows down and enjoy the sights out of town. Go to a small town nearby and check out the local diner for a “special of the day.“
Go on a picnic. Pack a lunch, grab a blanket and head for the nearest park. Give yourself 30 minutes just soaking it all in. You'll be surprised at how refreshed you begin to feel.
Play a game outside. Grab the kids and make them VERY happy just playing a simple game. Everyone wins with this one!
Check out the concert in the park for your area. Sometimes music is even more soothing in an ourdoor setting.
Make a super-sloppy sundae and sit on the back patio. Take the time to really taste it. Oh, I know that sundaes are not as healthy as seaweed, but a person needs to live a little! Remember, everything in moderation.
Take your best-friend, (your pet), out for a stroll. It would be great for you and your pet will love you for it!
Take your shoes off. Go outside and put your feet in some mud. No mud? Get the hose and make some. It is more therapeutic than it sounds.
When you are at the office. Take a break and stretch and remember those great summers long ago as part of your relaxation technique. Makes for a relaxing day.
Don't let the summer just fade away like last year. Get out there and enjoy!! Start today!
LP