Hello and welcome to the Peak Experience podcast, I’m one of the co-hosts of the show, Michele Forto, and before we dive into this week’s episode, I would like to thank those of you who make this podcast possible week after week. This podcast is free to download and will remain that way due in large part because of the support we get from you. For those top supporters we will give a shout out right here at the top of the show. If you want to pledge your support all you must do is visit patreon.com/firstpawmedia but there are other ways to support our show as well.
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Hello and welcome to Wellness Wednesday on Peak Experience. I am your host, Michele Forto. Every Wednesday I will bring you information, trending topics in wellness, and something for you to work on every week to assist you in reaching your optimal wellness.
This week’s topic is Endless Summer and Staying Healthy
Endless Summer
The Endless Summer is a 1966 American surf documentary. This documentary was one of the first that I enjoyed and it captured the romance and lure of surfing, summer, and tanned toned bodies! In a time when sunscreen didn’t exist, and people had no idea what the internet was. Summer meant being outside as often as possible, adventure, exploring, exercising (without giving it any thought), and even eating healthy before it was commercialized.
Advances in technology sure have made our lives easier, but they’ve complicated them too. Every summer I try to live with this Endless Summer mentality – because Winter is Coming!
Let us take a moment to talk about how we can enjoy summer and extend it a few additional weeks before the cornucopia of pumpkin spice dulls the senses.
Tip # 1 Stay Out of Intense Heat
Summer heat waves are common throughout the country during the hottest months of the year. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, ensure you’re staying hydrated and in the shade, if possible. Heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia, can cause issues like muscle cramps, nausea, confusion, slurred speech, rashes, dizziness, and worse. Heat illnesses can range from mild to deadly. Knowing the signs and staying inside in the heat of the midday can help you avoid serious heat-related issues.
Tip #2 Spend Time Relaxing
While it’s good to chill on a regular basis, be sure to do it this summer especially. After a few summers of lockdowns and travel restrictions, make some fun plans to let loose and relax. You’ll do your health a favor: Research shows those who relax have lower heart rates, less stress, and reduced symptoms of issues like anxiety and depression.
Tip #3 Have a Backup Workout Plan
With temperatures rising and the beautiful outdoors beckoning, workouts outdoors can look a lot more appealing after too many dreadful runs on an indoor treadmill. If the weather gets above 90 degrees on the heat index, switch your workout to one indoors to reduce the risk of heat illness.
Tip #4 Keep Sunscreen and Bug Spray on Hand
Both sunscreen and bug spray are essential summer must-haves when enjoying the great outdoors. Sunscreen will keep your skin from getting burned (and reduce wrinkle risk!) and bug spray keeps away pesky insects like ticks, fleas, and mosquitos, which can carry dangerous diseases. When using both, apply repellent after sunscreen is applied. Once you’re back inside for the day, it’s a good idea to rinse off to get rid of the residue on your skin.
Tip #5 Wellness Walk Challenge
Walking challenges are always a hit. They’re relatively easy and can help employees get their fitness routine back on track. Challenge employees to walk outside for at least 10 minutes for six weeks. Have them record their walks. The employee who walks outside the most wins!
Keep Your Team Engaged in Wellness This Summer
Even if your team members are in and out of the workplace all summer, it’s still important to offer wellness reminders. Pass out the above summer wellness tips and have discussions surrounding smart summertime health choices.
Additionally, summer is a perfect time for team-building activities and to incorporate more fun in the workplace that also has a wellness vibe to it.
Below are some ideas to keep your team engaged in wellness all summer long:
- Have team BBQs –Barbecues are always a big hit. Make it even more fun by holding a contest to see who can incorporate the most healthy ingredients into a potluck dish. Invite family members, too, to add a healthy dose of camaraderie and connection.
- Explore healthy fruit-based desserts –Summertime is a great time to enjoy local produce and all that summer’s bounty has to offer. Have a dessert day that incorporates seasonal fruits as the base. Think cherries, blackberries, nectarines, plums, and any other fruit grown locally.
- Enjoy outdoor fitness challenges – Summertime = sweaty time. Summer is an ideal time to get outdoors and workout together as a team. Whether you opt for a steps challenge or a couch to 5k or something in-between, add even more excitement with giveaways of wellness-themed items.
- Explore a local farmers market – Have a farmer’s market nearby work? Head out for a little field trip. Learn together what foods are local to your area and the best ways to enjoy the foods with advice straight from the grower.
- Cook a meal with local food together –If you take a farmer’s market field trip together, come back and create a healthy food spread. From charcuterie boards to fruit salads and green salads to green-based juices, your team can get creative with a healthy lunch made by them.
- Start a water bar – Hydration is essential during the summer when skyrocketing heat indexes make it easier to get dehydrated. Set up a water bar in the workplace with fruit-infused water for your team to enjoy. Add fruits like sliced up strawberries and lime, blackberries, or even cucumbers for a refreshing change.
TASK
Endless Summer 30-day challenge. Employees will then be challenged to share a picture or post on social media every day for 30 days explaining how they are healthy. It’s a great way to help employees develop healthy habits. Use the hashtag #wellnesswednesdaychallenge in your posts.
Wellness Wednesday is brought to you by Peak Experience. Peak Experience is a company located in Alaska, servicing the entire Pacific Northwest and more. First and foremost we want to help you reach your goals. No goals are too small or too large. We know how to help you set up the right steps to get on that track and keep chugging away eventually reaching that original goal and beyond.
Remember to hit that subscribe button so you can listen every Wednesday.
I am Michele Forto for the Peak Experience Podcast on First Paw Media. See you next time.
