Spring is the perfect season to start making healthier choices. There’s a newness about everything as plants begin to turn green, flowers bloom, and temperatures rise. This new life is the reason why so many people are motivated to tackle any neglected areas of their home — hence where spring cleaning enters.
The season may motivate you to care for your home, but why not care for your body and your health as well this spring? Taking care of your body will lead to a decrease in potential illnesses, mental clarity and overall well-being.
Here are some smart health choices to make this spring to give you a start to a healthy year!
Eat Healthy Foods
Nothing is quite more quintessential when making healthy choices than eating healthy foods. Sure, there are so many diets out there that promise to help you get back to a high health standard, but it all begins with eating right.
Eating healthy helps you to maintain a healthy weight. It also helps reduce your risk of severe health problems in the future. Your body needs a certain amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals every day to function, which most processed or fast foods can’t provide you. Stock up on fruits, vegetables and whole grains this spring.
Get Outside
If you live in a colder region, then you’ve probably been cooped up in your house. Even if you don’t, you’ve still probably been staying indoors due to COVID-19. It’s so important to get outside, even if it’s for a few minutes per day this spring, especially to take a break from screens.
You don’t even need to be active while you’re outside. Grab a blanket and lay in your yard. The fresh air and greenery allow you to take a break from the day. When you’re surrounded by nature, your stress levels decrease, and your mind clears. Plus, it helps to get a change of scenery from your home or office.
Add Exercise to Your Routine
If you already have a set exercise routine, then that’s great! If not, it’s never too late to start, and spring is the best time to get in a little bit of exercise. You can start small, too — go for a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or stretch before you head to bed.
For those who already implement exercise into their routine, you can amp up those workouts or change them. Spring offers warmer temperatures, so take your workout outside.
Drink Plenty of Water
Your body is made up of up to 60% water, making it essential for your health. You need it to survive. Many people admit that they don’t drink enough water. The recommended amount of water you should get per day is anywhere from 2.3 to 3.2 quarts. That might seem like a lot, but water is what keeps you functioning.
Water acts as a building material, flushes waste, helps you form saliva to keep your mouth wet and allows your joints to move. If you have a hard time getting in enough water, start this spring by switching out other drinks for a glass of water.
Sleep
The human body isn’t meant to be moving or awake 24/7. You need rest, and you need to sleep. Work, deadlines and any other thing that’s preventing you from sleeping can wait. Sleep gives your body and mind time to recharge and prepare you for your day.
Adults usually require about seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Make it a habit to develop a healthy sleep routine this spring.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Between quarantine, the holidays and all of the ice cream shops opening back up for the spring, it can be challenging to take a break from the sugar. However, your whole body will thank you if you work on reducing your sugar intake.
Reducing your sugar intake and opting for healthier options has so many benefits. You will experience better dental health, clearer skin, an improved mood and better digestion.
Schedule a Check-Up
This is your springtime reminder to schedule your checkups. You should get an update on your health. Schedule appointments with your family doctor, dentist, optometrist or any other healthcare worker you need to see.
Checkups are necessary for your health. Healthcare providers can give you an update on your health and offer preventative screenings for potential diseases.
Clean Your House
There’s a reason behind spring cleaning. Throughout the winter, your doors, curtains and windows stay shut. Your house doesn’t get adequate fresh air, so dust builds up, allergens and germs float through the air, and the inside of your home receives less sunshine.
Your respiratory health can suffer as a result of your home being closed off during the winter. As you clean your house and open the windows to let in the fresh air, you’ll breathe easier!
Get a Jump Start on Your Health
Whether you’re in your twenties or your seventies, it’s never too late to make smart health choices. You’ll gain so many benefits if you pay attention to and take care of your mind and body this spring.
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