Summertime

Take your yoga off the mat and into summer!

Summer is officially in full swing! Although being in a yoga class is probably one of my favorite things, getting off the mat and taking in summertime can be just as beneficial. Here are some suggestions for mindful summer fun:

1. THE BEACH

Have you ever noticed that you sleep better and feel more relaxed on a beach vacation? Pack up the fam, kick off your flip flops and go for a stroll along the sea. Aside from the beautiful view of the ocean and the great people watching there are many known health benefits of going to the beach. Walking in the sand is number one! Walking barefoot grounds us, it reconnects us to nature, which in return helps to reduce stress. Walking in the sand is also better for your joints and feet, so take advantage and walk the extra mile!

2. ENJOY THE FRUITS OF SUMMER

Mother Nature sure knew what she was doing; there are so many health benefits of eating seasonally (but really that’s a whole different blog).  Get creative with your mindful summer eating, toss your fruit and greens together in a salad or smoothie or treat yourself to a colorful and healthy dessert.  In my opinion, watermelon is at the top of the list for summer! Interestingly, watermelon is 92% water and boy do you need that hydration if you’re the hot yoga type. Berries are also another great summertime option and there is nothing better than produce right off the farm! Take advantage of our local farm and enjoy the sweetness of freshly picked fruit. The picking season doesn’t last long so make sure you check the website before you go!

Blueberry Farm

3. SOAK UP THE SUN

Oh yes we’ve all heard it, we need more vitamin D. Ok so I’ll just add it to my smoothie right? No, we need the good stuff, we need the sun! Getting moderate sun exposure increases mood and brain function. It enhances the immune system and improves bone health. It helps with sleep and the list can go on and on… just google it! Take your yoga mat outside and get the best of both worlds!

4. TAKE A SICK DAY

Yep you read that right! Take a sick day from summer. If you’re like me staying indoors on a beautiful day might make me feel a little guilty, but my advice is just let it go! Crank up the AC, get cozy on the couch with the dogs and relax. It’s ok to take a break from the constant hustle of entertaining the kids or keeping up with the endless stream of social media and who’s having the most fun. Summer can be exhausting and acknowledging that and listening to your body is key. Take a day away from the sun and watch that movie you’ve been meaning to get to or play a board game with the kids. One day is all you will need to feel refreshed and ready for the next pool sesh!

5. BE PRESENT

Get out of your daily routine and enjoy this time of year!  Turn off your phone, sit quietly and enjoy the sounds, smells and look of summer. Listen to the kids laughing, watch the birds and smell the freshly cut grass. Kinda cheesy I know, but being mindful of your surroundings and taking it all in is yoga! We are so lucky to live where we do and the city of Temecula has so much to offer for summer. We have brand new parks with musical instruments and roller coasters.  We have wineries (need I say more?)! There are so many things we take advantage of, so take a moment to stop and notice this beautiful place we call home!

4th of July

Temecula Wineries

Sunset Concert Series

Starlight Bazaar at Vail Headquarters