Change Your Life This Summer And Live A Life You Love

Summer feels like a natural time for a fresh start to change your life for the better. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it often feels easier to get out of bed in the morning. While many people wait for January to make resolutions, the middle of the year is actually a perfect time to reset and change your life. You do not have the pressure of a new year, but you have plenty of energy to make changes.

You might be feeling stuck in a rut or just ready for something new. Maybe you want to feel healthier, sort out your money, or meet new people. You do not need to change your life all at once. Small steps can add up to big results over time.

Move your body more

We all know exercise is good for us, but getting started can be the hardest part. The key is to find something you actually enjoy so it does not feel like a chore. You do not need to run a marathon to see benefits and change your life.

The NHS suggests that adults should aim for some physical activity every day. They recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week. That might sound like a lot, but it breaks down to just over 20 minutes a day. Moderate activity means your heart beats faster and you feel warmer. You should be able to talk, but not sing. A brisk walk, a bike ride, or even pushing a lawnmower counts.

It is also important to keep your muscles strong. The guidance says you should do strengthening activities on at least two days a week. This could be lifting weights, carrying heavy shopping bags, or doing yoga. If you have not exercised in a long time, start slowly. You can break your activity into short sessions throughout the day. Even ten minutes of walking is better than sitting on the sofa and can slowly change your life.

How to make exercise a habit

Starting is hard, but keeping going is harder. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track, change your life, and start exercising regularly:

Start small: If you cannot do 30 minutes at once, try three 10-minute walks throughout the day.
Find what you like: If you hate running, do not run. Try dancing, swimming, or hiking instead. You are more likely to stick with an activity you enjoy.
Get a buddy: Exercising with a friend makes it more fun and keeps you accountable.
Schedule it: Treat your workout like an important appointment. Put it on your calendar and stick to it.

Remember, some activity is always better than none. Even a short walk around the block is a step in the right direction to change your life.

Manage your weight safely

Summer often brings pressure to look a certain way, but the best goal is to feel healthy and strong. If you want to lose weight, avoid crash diets or “quick fixes.” They rarely work in the long run to change your life and can be bad for your health.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) suggests that a safe rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week. Losing weight at this steady pace is safer and helps you keep the weight off for good. It gives you time to build healthy habits that you can stick with for a lifetime.

Watch your portions

One of the most effective ways to manage your weight is portion control. It is easy to eat more than we realise, especially when restaurant servings are so large. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) points out that a “portion” is how much you choose to eat, while a “serving” is a specific amount listed on a nutrition label.

Here are some simple ways to change your life by keeping your portions in check:

Use smaller plates: A standard dinner plate is quite large. Using a smaller plate can make a normal portion look satisfying.
Check the label: Look at the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods. It will tell you how much is in one serving. You might be surprised to find that a small bag of chips actually contains two or three servings.
Eat slowly: It takes time for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full. Put your fork down between bites and enjoy your food.
Don’t eat from the bag: Pour your snack into a small bowl instead of eating straight from the package. This helps you see exactly how much you are eating.

Focus on filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients and will keep you feeling full longer than processed snacks and change your life.

Advice says you should lose weight steadily and gradually, and you are more likely to keep it off. The ideal is aiming to lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week. This is a safe pace that gives your body time to adjust.

To lose weight, you generally need to use more energy than you take in from food and drink. This does not mean you have to starve yourself to change your life. Try to focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods keep you feeling full for longer. It also helps to be aware of what you are drinking. Sugary drinks can add a lot of calories without making you feel full. Water is always the best choice for staying hydrated, especially when it is hot outside.

Get your health checks sorted

It is easy to put off medical appointments when life gets busy. However, staying on top of your health checks is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Prevention is always better than a cure. Use this summer to catch up on any appointments you have missed or delayed.

One important check is the cervical screening test, often called a smear test. In England, women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening. Those aged 25 to 64 receive invitations every 3-5 years. This test checks for a virus called HPV, which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix. Finding these cells early means they can be treated before they turn into cancer. If you have received a letter inviting you to a screening, book your appointment as soon as possible.

If you take regular prescription medicine, you should also have a medication review. This is a meeting with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to talk about your medicines. They will check that your medicines are still working well for you and are safe to take together. It is a good chance to ask any questions you might have about side effects or how to take your tablets.

For those aged 40 to 74 without a pre-existing condition, the NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you are at a higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. These problems can change your life negatively, so it is worth knowing if your risk is higher.

Go green with simple swaps

Changing your life doesn’t just mean changing things for you. You can change your life by thinking more about the environment. Making your daily routine more eco-friendly is a great goal for the summer. You do not need to live in a cabin in the woods to make a difference. Small swaps in your daily habits can reduce waste significantly.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests several easy ways to “unpackage your life.” One of the simplest changes is to carry a reusable water bottle. This reduces plastic waste and saves you money on drinks when you are out. Another easy swap is to bring your own bag when you go shopping. A single reusable bag can replace hundreds of plastic ones over its lifetime.

You can also look at how you eat lunch. Bringing a waste-free lunch to work or school helps the planet. Try using reusable containers instead of plastic wrap or foil. If you love your morning coffee, consider getting a reusable cup. Many coffee shops even offer a small discount if you bring your own cup. These small actions might seem tiny on their own, but if everyone did them, the impact would be huge.

Tackle your debt

Money worries can cause a lot of stress. If you have debt weighing you down, summer is a good time to make a plan to address it. Ignoring debt will not make it go away, but taking control can make you feel much lighter and feel like it can change your life.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) outlines two main strategies for reducing debt: the highest interest rate method and the snowball method.

The Snowball Method

This method is great if you need quick wins to stay motivated. Here is how it works:

List all your debts from the smallest balance to the largest balance. Ignore the interest rates for now.
Make the minimum payment on all your debts.
Put any extra money you have toward the smallest debt.
Once the smallest debt is paid off, take the money you were paying on it and add it to the payment for the next smallest debt.
Keep going until all your debts are gone.

Seeing those small debts disappear quickly can give you a huge boost of confidence.

The Highest Interest Rate Method

This method saves you the most money in the long run. Here is the process:

List your debts from the highest interest rate to the lowest interest rate.
Make the minimum payment on all your debts.
Put any extra money toward the debt with the highest interest rate.
Once that debt is paid off, move on to the one with the next highest rate.

By tackling the high-interest debt first, you pay less in interest charges over time. This helps you get out of debt faster mathematically, even if you do not get the quick psychological win of paying off a small balance right away. Change your life and start this week.

Create a budget

No matter which strategy you choose, you need a budget to make it work. A budget is simply a plan for your money. It helps you see where your money is going so you can change your life and decide where you want it to go.

Track your spending for a month to see where you can cut back. Maybe you can cook at home more often or cancel a subscription you do not use. Every little bit of extra money you find can go toward paying down your debt.

Expand your social circle

Summer is often filled with social events, making it a great time to meet new people. Having good friends is vital for our well-being and can change your life. The Mayo Clinic states that friends can boost your happiness and lower your stress. They also help you cope with hard times and can encourage you to avoid unhealthy habits.

Making friends as an adult can feel awkward, but many people are in the same boat. You can start by reconnecting with old friends you have lost touch with. A simple hello can open the door to catching up.

If you want to meet new people, try going to places where people gather. Look for groups or clubs in your area that focus on a hobby you enjoy. This could be a walking group, a book club, or a gardening society, which could change your life in so many ways, not just by making friends. Volunteering is another fantastic way to meet people. Working together on a shared cause creates a strong bond.

Remember that building friendships takes time. Be patient and be willing to take the first step. Invite someone for a coffee or a walk. If they say no, do not take it personally. Just keep trying and stay open to new connections.

Frequently asked questions

How much water should I drink in the summer?

Most guidance suggests drinking when you are thirsty. However, in hot weather, you lose more fluid through sweat, so you need to drink more than usual. Water, lower-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. Staying hydrated won’t change your life, but it will keep you healthy.

How do I stick to a budget when summer is so expensive?

Summer can be pricey with holidays and social events. Try looking for free or low-cost activities, such as hiking, picnics, or community concerts. Plan ahead for bigger expenses and set a specific limit for “fun money” in your budget so you can enjoy yourself without overspending.

What if I feel too shy to join a group?

It is normal to feel nervous when doing this to change your life. Try starting with an activity where the focus is on a task, like a book club or a volunteer shift. This takes the pressure off having to keep the conversation going. You can also bring a friend along for support the first time you go, or perhaps they would be interested too.

Is it too late to start exercising if I am older?

It is never too late to start exercising and change your life. Physical activity is beneficial at any age. If you have health concerns or haven’t exercised in a long time, it is wise to speak to your doctor before starting a new routine.

How can I save money on healthy food?

Buying frozen or canned fruit and vegetables can be cheaper than fresh and is just as nutritious. Look for supermarket own-brand products and try to plan your meals for the week so you only buy what you need.

What if I cannot afford a gym membership?

You do not need a gym to get fit and change your life. Walking, running, and yoga are free. You can also use items in your home, like canned goods for weights, or follow free workout videos online.

Is walking really enough exercise?

Yes, walking is a fantastic form of exercise. It counts as moderate-intensity aerobic activity if you walk briskly. It is accessible, free, and easy on your joints. To meet the guidelines, aim for 150 minutes of brisk walking per week.

Can I lose weight without exercise?

You can lose weight by changing your diet alone, as weight loss is primarily about consuming fewer calories than you burn. However, combining a healthy diet with regular physical activity is the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off. Exercise also provides many other health benefits beyond weight loss. Change your life and add both if you can.

How often should I check my skin for sun damage?

You should check your skin regularly for any changes to moles or new marks. If you notice anything that looks different, bleeds, itches, or changes shape, see a doctor straight away. Always wear sunscreen when you are out in the summer sun.

Make this summer count

If you have decided you want to change your life, then it won’t happen overnight. It requires a series of small, consistent choices. You can choose to go for a walk instead of watching TV. You can choose to drink water instead of soda. You can choose to call a friend or check your bank statement.

Take this summer to focus on you and change your life. Whether you are lifting weights, paying down a credit card, or simply using a reusable bag, every step forward matters. Do not worry about being perfect. Just focus on being a little bit better than you were yesterday. By the time autumn arrives, you could be looking at a happier, healthier version of yourself.

Have you decided to change your life this summer? What will you be doing? Let me know in the comments below and keep me updated as you change your life.

How to change your life this summer