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10 summer wellness tips for healthier living


Summer is almost here, which means enjoying some well-deserved time off while staying healthy. To help you make the most of this season, we’ve put together 10 wellness tips to help you maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and positive mental health over the coming months.
 

  1. Boost your fitness at the beach: If you’re planning a beach day, consider how you can incorporate activities in addition to basking in the sun. You could play sports like volleyball, Spikeball or football, fly a kite, go paddleboarding or boogie boarding, or even just walk along the beach hunting for rocks and shells. Use sunscreen!
  2. Seek out summer produce: Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to incorporate fresh and healthy produce into your diet. Take advantage of local farmers’ markets this summer to find in-season produce like berries, melon, peaches, zucchini, leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes.
  3. Join a local sports league or fitness class: By signing up for a new sport or class this summer, you can get active and also meet people in your community. Some options might include soccer, ultimate frisbee, pickleball, or an outdoor fitness or yoga class. 
  4. Make your own popsicles: Popsicles are a delicious and refreshing frozen treat in the summer and making your own can be a fun and healthy alternative to buying at the store. All you need is popsicle molds, some fruit and yogurt of your choosing, and a freezer!
  5. Stay active on vacation: If you’re planning a vacation this summer, look for ways to stay active while you’re away. Depending on your destination, you could rent bikes, go hiking, or try a new water sport. Check your benefits booklet for more information on your travel coverage so you can feel at ease participating in these fun outdoor activities while travelling.
  6. Get grilling: You might be surprised to learn that grilling your food has health benefits – no oil or butter is required, fat drips away from meat, and meat and vegetables retain more vitamins and nutrients. To maximize these benefits, use lean cuts of meat and grill with gas rather than charcoal, and be sure to follow these quick tips for safe grilling.
  7. Explore trails in your area: If you like to run, hike or bike, summer is the perfect time to try out some new trails. You can use apps like AllTrails or Strava to find hidden gems nearby, preview trail length and conditions, and share your activity with friends. You could even check if there are activity-based clubs in your community to connect with like-minded individuals that regularly visit different local trails.
  8. Grow your own herbs: Make some space in your garden or window box to grow your own herbs. This is an easy and healthy way to incorporate more greens into your diet in the summer months. Herbs like basil, mint, thyme, and cilantro can be great flavour boosters for your summer salads, grilled vegetables, and marinades.
  9. Volunteer for a community project: You can do good for your community and for your body by volunteering for an initiative that involves physical activity. For example, you could help with gardening, cleaning up a local park or assisting with a race.
  10. Access our wellness programs: To support and protect your mental health, OTIP offers wellness programs to all eligible plan members. Take time this summer to check in on your mental health by accessing these programs that are free and confidential.


We hope that these wellness tips will help you enjoy a happy and healthy summer!

If you have any questions about your benefits coverage or the services available to you through your benefits plan, you can view your benefits booklet on the OTIP plan member site.

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