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Now that summer is coming to an end, it is important to continue to have time for play, time off and deep relaxation. Many people use the summertime to rebuild their energy for the rest of the busy year, but it is most beneficial for your body to experience this all year round. People are constantly on the go in this work-crazed society, losing sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking the time to rest. It’s important to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to one’s body through movement and relaxation.
Oakland is full of places to go to relax and do movement. There are 100 parks in Oakland. They vary from large to mini to open space where people can bring a blanket and enjoy the smell of fresh air while taking a nap, meditate, and read under a tree or stare at the beautiful blue sky.
Just as much as the body loves to relax, the body loves to move. The body is healthiest when it is getting appropriate physical activity. Although often people feel dread when they hear the word "exercise." People should take time to themselves and think for a moment of what type of movement they would consider fun as opposed to torturous. At most people loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe secretly one may want to try yoga or rollerblading. Families could play touch football with their kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim in one of Oakland’s public pools. Oakland offers so many choices - it's simply up to people to choose which style of movement excites them. One’s heart will be thankful, one’s soul will be grateful, one’s limbs will be more fluid and thy sleep will be better at night.
Whether people are relaxing, exercising or both, they should notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting them to themselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what people’s bodies crave the most. So while summer is still here, strap on your sandals and enjoy to the fullest the rich elements of the sun, wind and water and the nourishment that they bring.
For more info: City of Oakland
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