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A summertime health groupie: someone who realizes in the first couple weeks of summer they are not as physically or mentally healthy as they wish to be and are looking for different ways to fix this problem. However, this decision is not limited to the span of the summer months, nor is it a quick fix, and could potentially be the start to a new beginning of being more health conscious throughout the rest of your life.

There is no easy way to define being physically and mentally healthy because it can mean something different to everyone. To me, being physically healthy is not defined by how fast you can run a mile or how much organic food you put into your smoothie every morning. However, it is eating well (a.k.a. eating your fruits and veggies), drinking plenty of water, limiting caffeine consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising at least every other day (let’s be real, not everyone has time to exercise daily). I think of being mentally healthy as taking care of yourself and focusing on your well being — socially, emotionally and psychologically. A positive outlook on life and having a healthy body image are also musts.

For some reason, once September hits and I go back to college, it seems that my mental and physical health go on the back burner as I try to juggle being a full time student, extracurriculars, jobs and finding time to sleep. Adults may find themselves in the same rut during this time as they focus on handling a full-time job, a family, taking their kids to different school events, along with other various responsibilities.

To make matters more difficult, the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, having the ambition to do anything decreases, and then you are hit with three eating holidays in a row — Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Even once the New Year begins and people start their “healthy living” resolution, by the time it is March many have already called it quits; I am lucky if I make it three weeks with mine!

Then, finally after an eternal winter, summer arrives. The weather is warmer, the number of vacations you have planned increase, and the amount of outdoor clothing needed is less. For once, it feels as though you can breath and now really evaluate your health.

Ask yourself: Am I sleeping enough? When is the last time I took a personal day? Yikes, did I even drink any water today?

If you are unsure of any of the answers to those questions, perhaps it is time to take the summer and join in on this journey of being a summertime health groupie. In this series, I will explore the Fox Cities and find the best ways to be more physically and mentally healthy.  I will discover local exercise options, such as yoga studios and outdoor activities. I will suggest day adventures, and healthy, but quick dining options. I will also discuss fun, soul-uplifting pastimes to partake in this summer.

If not now, then when? The time is now to take care of both your body and mind.

Sincerely,

a Summertime Health Groupie

What are some of the things you do to be more health conscious during the summer? Any favorite spots I should check out?