Summer is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Living with diabetes allows us to choose new movements and physical activities to incorporate into our daily routine.

Engaging in easy outdoor movements and joining in on games can offer numerous benefits for your mind, body, and soul. As a doctor of holistic medicine, I encourage you to find enjoyable ways to stay active and connected with nature and others.

Benefits of Outdoor Activities

1. Physical Health:  Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use insulin more effectively. It also aids in weight management, reduces the risk of heart disease, and boosts overall energy levels.
2. Mental Well-being: Being outdoors and engaging in physical activities can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The fresh air, sunlight, and natural surroundings enhance your mood and mental clarity.
3. Social Connection: Participating in outdoor games and activities with friends and family strengthens social bonds and provides emotional support. Social interaction is crucial for mental and emotional health, particularly for people living with diabetes.

Easy Movements for Outdoor Fun

1. Walking:  Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Try walking in a local park, on a nature trail, or even around your neighborhood. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day to reap the benefits.
2. Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and provides a full-body workout. It’s an excellent way to stay active, especially during hot summer days. Swimming can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
3. Cycling: Cycling is another low-impact activity that can be both fun and beneficial. Whether you’re riding a bike around your neighborhood or along a scenic trail, cycling helps improve cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and enhances coordination.
4. Stretching and Yoga: Incorporate some gentle stretching or yoga into your outdoor routine. These activities improve flexibility, balance, and muscle tone while promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Find a peaceful spot in a park or by a lake to enhance your practice.

Joining in on Outdoor Games

1. Frisbee: Playing frisbee is a fun and active way to engage with friends or family. It involves running, catching, and throwing, which helps improve hand-eye coordination and cardiovascular health. Plus, it’s an excellent way to stay socially connected.
2. Badminton: Badminton is a light and enjoyable game that provides a good workout without being too strenuous. It helps improve agility, reflexes, and cardiovascular endurance. Set up a net in your backyard or at a local park and enjoy some friendly competition.
3. Bocce Ball: Bocce ball is a low-impact game that can be played on grass or sand. It’s easy to learn and suitable for people of all fitness levels. The game encourages social interaction and helps improve hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.
4. Beach Volleyball: Beach volleyball is a fantastic way to get moving and enjoy the sun. It’s a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and coordination. Playing on the sand adds extra resistance, making it a more challenging and rewarding activity.

Tips for Safe Outdoor Activity

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity to prevent dehydration, especially in the heat.
• Protect Your Skin: Apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Keep track of your blood sugar levels before and after activity to ensure they remain within a safe range. Carry a small snack or glucose tablets in case you need a quick boost.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Choose appropriate footwear to prevent blisters and support your feet during activities.

Engaging in easy outdoor movements and games offers numerous benefits for people living with diabetes. It improves physical health, boosts mental well-being, and strengthens social connections.

By incorporating activities like the ones above, you can enjoy the summer while managing your diabetes effectively. So, step outside, get active, and let the sunshine invigorate your mind, body, and soul!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ac., C.H., RDH
Dr. Holistic Studies, Dr. Acupuncture
Diabetes Wellness Strategist & Coach
Creator & CEO of Holistic Diabetes Solutions
8 X International Best-Selling Author

As a woman living with diabetes for over 30 years, Dr. Cheryl understands the journey firsthand. When she was diagnosed, she received the same outdated advice her grandmother was given for over four decades, who relied primarily on medication, suffered from deteriorating health and eventually lost her life to diabetes. Fueled by this experience, Dr. Cheryl was compelled to seek a better way. Through countless research studies and trials, she developed the winning holistic approach: the Diabetes Success System which merges traditional wisdom with today’s best holistic self-care practices.  It has revolutionized diabetes management by providing a trusted way to maintain consistent and predictable healthy blood sugar levels.  Join the thousands of people worldwide who have been empowered by Dr. Cheryl's approach and start living your healthiest life.

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PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER

The material and content contained in this platform is for overall general diabetes health and education information only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice or to be a substitution for professional medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. All specific medical questions or changes you make to your medication and/or lifestyle should be discussed and addressed with your primary healthcare provider. Having the right mindset, doing the right movements at the right times of day, and eating foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk of the all-too-common complications of Diabetes, increase your energy levels and have you feeling your best every day.