By: Shoshanna Reicheck – Focus on Fabulous Business Sponsor
Every season has it’s natural energy. Fall is all about gathering, enjoying some cooler weather, getting ready for the holidays and a burst of energy before hibernation. Winter is all about comfort, less time outdoors, getting rest and perhaps some deep dives into your annual plan. Spring is all about the joy of warmer weather, getting outside again, finding balance between the must-dos and the want-tos; and, then comes summer!
Living a healthy lifestyle means being prepared.
Summer offers more time outdoors, the rains are gone. Going to barbeques, more evening activities and myriad summer drinks are calling us. We have so many choices.
As is true for every season, moderation is key. For example, I’m writing this on a plane (going to check on my dad who is having some health concerns). The coffee smells so good, I don’t know if it’s Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, but it’s tempting. I know if I drink it at this hour (7:00 p.m.) I’ll mess with my adrenal system and not sleep well. I love hot beverages, and travel with herbal tea to support my lifestyle. I just ask for hot water and voila, the temptation is gone. I’m happy because I have a healthy and satisfying alternative. If I didn’t have a tea bag, I’d have hot water with lemon.
While we’re on the subject of sleep and adrenals, and with so many opportunities to be active in the summer, this seems like a good time to talk about what happens when we are deprived of sleep.
Did you know that sleep deprivation and feeling tired may trigger poor nutritional choices for energy or as a means to slow down? This definitely happens to me. As a matter of fact, my old pattern was binging when I was tired because I didn’t know how to slow down, then the load of food made me tired enough to slow down.
Can you see how these conditions and behaviors mess with metabolism?
- Higher caloric intake and reduced energy can easily add to weight gain and metabolic syndrome (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels).
- Increased stress hormone (cortisol) messes with insulin production and may contribute to many ailments, including increased rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Let’s look at two simple reminders to support your healthy lifestyle this summer as you prepare to get enough sleep and support your healthy lifestyle.
- Gain awareness of how you feel and sleep when you eat or drink various foods – notice how you feel with higher protein, less sugar vs. alternatives that look like fun with more sugar and simple
Carbohydrates.
- Gain awareness of circumstances and situations that are stressful to you. Once you can identify your stresses, then you can apply deep breathing (breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds and breathe out for 6 seconds).
Summertime is funtime, enjoy it and keep up with your healthy lifestyle.
A corporate beginning in hospitality led me to becoming an entrepreneur for over 30 years. After two successful businesses, I found a way to build a business based on my lifetime journey of a healthy body and holistic wellness. From emotions and behaviors to nutrition and lifestyle, I learned how to reprogram my subconscious to maintain a healthy weight for the past 11 years and overcome traumas. I love serving and helping others live their healthiest life on earth. Hobbies include gardening, creating delicious meals, Djembe, Tonal workouts, cycling, and walking. Follow on Social Media: @ShoRichek, Email: Sho@ShoRichek.com, Website: ShoRichek.com. 843-670-1392