PERFECT WELLNESS SUMMERTIME TIDBIT

The man who does things makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of all – doing
nothing.
-Benjamin Franklin

Try Something New
Summer is finally in fully force, and the living is easy! Do you notice how during summertime everything seems
promising? The plants are in full bloom and the sun feels glorious on your skin. The longer days give you
boundless energy, making you feel like it’s possible to achieve all your desires and dreams. Why not harness
this energy, ride the wave of summer and try something new?

Throughout the year we live at an intense pace (physical, emotional and mental), and we often get stuck in
routine, either for the sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory. The lack of variety in doing the same
things over and over stagnates not only our minds, but also our bodies and hearts. Hesitant to break your
routine? It is interesting to note that fear and excitement have the same physiological
expression in our bodies; it is our mind that classifies the feeling as either positive or
negative. So the next time you consider a change in routine and your mind says “scary!”
see if you can re-frame it as “exciting!”

What is something you have never done before or that you have wanted to do for a long
time? Choose your own adventure: organize a kayak trip, take a dance class, do some
exotic traveling or set a goal for a new personal challenge. Or try something simple, like
playing flashlight tag with your kids and neighbors or reading in the sunshine. Maybe it’s
time to discover a new vegetable dish or to visit a new town, restaurant or beach.

Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy the life
you came here for. Increasing new experiences and excitement in your life can decrease
your need for and dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health.
Watch out for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus a full portfolio of
fun.

Food Focus: Raw and Cooling Salads
Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These foods have a cooling effect on
the body. The lightness and high water, fiber and vitamin content work together to act as our internal air
conditioning during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense,
high-energy food because we get so much energy from being outside in the fresh air and
sunshine.

There is no better season than summer to have fun creating your own fresh, tasty,
creative salad combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw
veggies, naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer’s day.

Try your favorite leafy lettuce with various sliced, diced or grated veggies. The possible
combinations are endless. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix in, as they are
packed full of flavor. Experiment with adding diverse forms of protein to your salads, such
as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry. Pick up a light and healthy dressing at your
local health food store, or mix up something easy, like lemon juice, black pepper and olive
oil.

This is a great opportunity to try a new vegetable from your market. What are some creative flavors you’ve
never tried before? Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and arugula? Summer squash with watercress? Whatever
you choose, have fun with your food and stay cool. Happy summer!


Holistic Health Counseling: www.perfectbeautyinsideout.com

Therapeutic Essential Oils: www.youngliving.org/stephaniewalcot

Greeen and health inspired shopping: www.shoptoearn.net/stepharitshops