Avoid The Big Black Hole of Summer Weight Gain By Focusing on What Really Matters
Summer is almost here and this weekend we kick off the first pre-summer event by celebrating Memorials Day! How exciting is that? Finally, it’s time to break free from the heavy winter clothing, grab our sunglasses, pull out all of our summer attire and prepare ourselves for summer fun.
Well something else happens to some of us in the summer, somehow without planning it, we ended up in a big black summer hole (at least that’s what I call it). That big black hole is where mindless eating happens, when we are happy to be around family and friends that we snack to our hearts content. This activity can start very innocent with the intention of having just “one” but quickly turning into a FULL out non-stop overeating at cook-outs, birthday parties, family reunions, picnics, church functions, carnivals, hanging out on the deck, road trips, etc, etc. It happens to the best of us, trust me I know. Finally, after the madness ends which is after the last and finally big a bash and I will call that “Labor Day Weekend” we emerge from the hole trying to figure out what went wrong as we make a mad dash to beat the New Years Resolution of Weight Loss we promised ourselves.
Take one deep, long breathe and exhale, it is going to be OKAY! This year, the big black hole of summer madness is not going to draw you in, you are going to stand in your power with a master plan that is going to help you stay on you’re A-Game while enjoying your summer struggle free.
In this article you will find tips and strategies to help keep you in the summer fun zone without compromising your waistline
One way to make the most of your summer is to focus on one health or life goal, make it sweet and to the point, nothing complicated or over the top. Just something that inspires you that doesn't involve food . Remember summer does not have mindless eating, turn those cool summer nights or lounging by the poolside, beach an awesome opportunity for you to catch up on some reading, or doing something you enjoy.
Use these strategies to take advantage of this summer to help stay away from the black hole nyour dreams come true:
1. Write down something that you would like to do (taking up swimming lessons, hiking, etc.. ) and make a plan. Put your thoughts on paper, write them down so you can make them happen. An action plan guides you forward from step to step.
2. Think about the spare time that you'll have this summer. Wouldn't you enjoy setting out to achieve one or two of your health or life goals in that spare time? This is perfect for you to develop “me” time, think about what you want for yourself. You'll have some evenings, weekends, and maybe even some weekdays free, depending on your work schedule. That's a lot of time to devote to manifesting your dreams!
3. Set aside some time in your schedule to work towards your goals. Mark it on your calendar and plan a date with yourself. For example, if your kids go to grandma's house on Saturday mornings, block off from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, at least twice a month, to work on accomplishing what you desire for yourself
4. If your aim is to relax more this summer, reflect on what helps you unwind. Summer is prime time for relaxation! Taking daily walks, working out at the gym, or knitting ardently might be your idea of taking it easy. Whatever it is, go for it!
5. Maybe you've always wanted to create something. Perhaps you want to write a book of poetry or make furniture by hand. The summer is a perfect time for such projects.
6. Expand your knowledge. Perhaps you want more education. Colleges and universities now offer short-term courses for college credits that can be completed over a summer. Some educational institutions even offer weekend courses that take place over three or four weekends. Contact your local universities for information. The summer could also provide you the opportunity to take online courses.
7. Develop your skills. Designate this summer to learn a new skill or further perfect skills you already have. For example, maybe you've always wanted to make jewelry and need one more class to perfect your jewelry-making skills. Take that class this summer!
8. Is one of your goals to enjoy life more? You can get started today! Make plans to do something you've always wanted to do. Take a trip to lands you've always wanted to visit. Talk with friends or loved ones about getting together more often. Make a plan to meet up on a monthly basis just to have some fun this summer.
The goal this summer is for you to show up and be present in your body. The summer month is not a pass for you to fall into a deep black hole of overeating, it’s a perfect opportunity for renewal and refreshment. Warm weather is the perfect time for this! Whether you take the first few steps toward a new plan or complete a lifelong objective is up to you. Embrace this summer as a time to achieve your goals.
