Holding On To Summer
October 1, 2020, by Marialena Lamprianidis
There's something about Summer that is just so irresistibly lovable. Maybe it's the beautiful weather, the time spent splashing around, all the fun events and holidays, or maybe it's just the feeling that the whole world is relaxed and in vacation mode, even when behind a desk and not on a tropical shore. That's why there's such a melancholy tinge to the cooling weather and changing leaves. Don't get me wrong, Autumn means Halloween and Pumpkin Spice, so I'm all for it, but it's still a little troubling to say goodbye to that Summer charm. What if we didn't have to?
When you really boil it down, Summer is all about staying active. It's a time when the outdoors have a lot to offer thanks to the weather, so we stay moving and grooving. That's what I think the essence of Summer really is. It's this long lineup of opportunities that keep you active. It's a change from being indoors and behind a screen, and it's exhilarating. Simply think back to this past summer, and you'll likely observe that you spent more time swimming, hiking, walking, adventuring, or cycling than any other time of the year. Being this active is incredible for the human body and mind, and by maintaining these activities throughout the year, you can not only maintain the spirit of Summer long after it's end, but you'll be doing your mental and physical health a favor.
One of the very best activities you can continue through the rest of the year is hiking. Hiking is an awesome cardio exercise with health benefits that include muscle building, weight management, reduction of risk in high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even cancer. The reasons for loving hiking go beyond just these health benefits. It's a time to truly connect with the outdoors, to appreciate nature's beauty, the air's freshness, and the peaceful ambiance that's hard to come by these days. When out hiking, make sure to keep a quick-drying lightweight ECCOSOPHY towel on you, because no one likes to be wet and sweaty in the cold. A towel also comes in handy for when you want to sit and rest, or if you get inspired to do some yoga or exercise mid-hike. It's a lot more convenient than carrying a mat on your shoulders for miles of inclines and declines.
If you can bear the temperatures, swimming is another great activity to hold on to. Swimming in cold water holds so many health benefits (that is if the water is not below 60 degrees). Besides the standard burning of calories, swimming in cold water is excellent for strengthening the immune system and improving circulation in the body. Many studies also show that there is a link between cold water swimming and reduced stress. As the brilliantly adaptive creatures that we are, the cold gets more and more bearable over time, which will make going for a swim just as enjoyable as it was in the summer, so consider grabbing your favorite ECCOSOPHY microfiber towel and taking a dip this fall and winter!
Keep doing whatever kept you active and brought you joy this summer, because chances are it'll keep you healthy and happy all year round. The Summer spirit is all about taking a step back from our stressful realities and reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us. This practice should be habit, and not something to yearn for all-year-round. So do yourself a favor, and hold on to Summer.
Join our ECCOSOPHY Club!