Now that summer is right around the corner, it’s a great time of year to get outside and be active. As a writer, I spend long hours sitting in front of the computer. I do take breaks to stretch, but that doesn’t replace exercise. If you have a job that requires long periods of inactivity, here are some helpful tips.

Exercise. As I get older, I realize the importance of moving. No matter your age, keeping in shape is vital for so many reasons. Exercise helps you maintain or lose weight, increases metabolism and builds muscle mass, helping to burn more calories.

There are so many ways to be active. I go to the gym at least three times a week, but if you’re not up to that, try walking or biking around the neighborhood. You don’t have to run a marathon to be healthy, but you do need to push your boundaries.

Moving improves mobility and balance, along with your strength, flexibility and posture, which in turn will help with balance, coordination, and reducing the risk of falls.

If you sit all day, you probably find that at the end of the day you’re stiff and achy. Stretching moves certainly combats that fatigue. Pilates or yoga are a great way to work out the kinks.

The health benefits of exercise are improved sleep, boosting your mood and kick starting the brain. Whenever I’m at a point in my book where I can’t decide what direction to go next or I’m having difficulty figuring out a scene, I go the gym, jump on a piece of equipment and I’m amazed at the ideas that start flowing.

Take advantage of fresh vegetables and fruit from a local vegetable stand. Eating healthy will make you feel better and maybe even help you lose those few pounds you might have gained during the winter season. I recently went back to Weight Watchers in order to get back to my best weight. The program really works and the accountability helps with success.

If you’re already taking steps to be more healthy, good for you! Just as we readers love the journey our characters undertake when we start to read a book, we can apply that attitude to a good quality of life.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, THE LAWMAN’S SECRET VOW, available August 2018.  Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.