Summer is Time to Relax

When you talk to your Lap Band surgeon about all of the healthy changes in your life after bariatric surgery, talking about how often you relax may not be the most expected shift in conversation, but maybe it should be.

Weight loss surgery prompts a lot of changes, and the months of weight loss following your procedure can be a stressful period. Managing stress becomes a whole new ball game after weight loss surgery, especially as past coping mechanisms like emotional eating are no longer in the cards. Summer is the best time of year to take a deep breath and enjoy a day off. Instead of letting the summer months pass in a hot frenzy, step back and learn to relax again!

Enjoy your summer: Starting Now

In another month we are going to be talking about Labor Day and the onset of autumn. While it may feel like summer never ends down here in North Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the summer months are like no other. The sun rises early and sets late, making for long summer afternoons that are calling your name.

While you adjust to your new diet after Lap Band surgery and begin to spend more time exercising every day, find time to sit back and read a book, take a nap or enjoy a cup of ice water with your toes in the sand. A lot of people find that taking some summer ‘me’ time is the missing ingredient to a healthy lifestyle after Lap Band surgery.

Everyone has different ways they like to relax, but maybe some of your favorite relaxing habits weren’t as healthy as they should have been, and you now find yourself avoiding those situations. Now is a great time to start a new healthy habit.

Here are a few ways that you can refresh, rejuvenate and relax this summer:

• Head to the Beach: The North Miami, Hollywood and Ft. Lauderdale area is home to beaches that people come from across the world to visit. You don’t need to jet away for a Caribbean vacation to enjoy the beach. Whether you are going to take a day trip to the Keys or head out to the beach nearest you, take advantage of your habitat and bask in the sunshine for a little while. Spending just 30 minutes in the sun is known to have wonderful health effects, including the ability to boost your mood.
• Take off your Watch: When you are not at work, there is no need to know what time it is at every moment. You may be surprised by how well taking off your watch and turning off your cellphone can provide you with a mini-vacation. By simply spending an hour or two ‘off the grid,’ you can give yourself time to unwind and relax without any interference.
• Do something new: There are plenty of museums and nature reserves in South Florida that are just begging for a visit from you. Exploring your own neighborhood by doing something new every day is a great way to spend your summer. Whether you want to drive north to Palm Beach Island to visit the Flagler Museum or head south to Miami to see the Science Museum and Planetarium, there are plenty of things to do in South Florida that may prove to be very relaxing.

Don’t let your summer pass you by! It is only July, which means there is still plenty of time to spend those long summer afternoons with a smile on your face. As you adjust to your new life after Lap Band surgery, make the most of it by carving out some good old rest and relaxation time.