Well-Being

  Finding the drive to work out isn't always simple. That doesn't make you lazy or set for failure. Even the fittest folks skip workouts some days. Behavior science proves willpower shifts with sleep, stress, hormones, and work load. Waiting to feel motivated sets you up to lose. Try a better way. A 2018 study in Perspectives on Psychological Science found that habits and surroundings beat motivation and willpower over time. People who keep up exercise routines don't have superhuman grit. They just make showing up simple. Studies show our brains need repeated good experiences with a habit before they buy in. Spring offers a great chance to reboot. Skip tough goals. Build routines that fit busy days. Here are five easy steps I take. 1. See yourself as an exerciser. James Clear, a behavior expert, spots the gap between outcome habits and identity ones. Ditch "I want to get fit." Say "I train twice weekly." Swap "I must lose weight" for "...

  During the summer, we enjoy bright days, warm weather, and long evenings. For people with chronic or long-term health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or heart conditions, summer is a time to be extra cautious. If you have such a condition, it is imperative to understand how summer weather affects you. Hot weather means your body has to work harder to keep your temperature at normal levels. This can strain your heart, lungs and kidneys. Heat and humidity can also be tiring. You may have less energy and be less active. You can enjoy the summer months if you keep yourself hydrated, understand the effect of heat on your body and take some extra precautions to stay well. Keeping cool and hydrated is particularly imperative: You need to replace sweated fluids. Stick with water or sugar-free drinks and avoid caffeine or alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration. Hot weather requires you to drink more, especially if you a...