Spring Clean Your Wellness
Every year when spring rolls around, we think “Time for spring cleaning!” We clear out the cobwebs, sweep the front step, tidy up our rooms, and freshen our homes to welcome the warm weather and sunny days ahead.
One area we don’t think to spring clean is our wellness. It’s essential for our well-being to check in once in a while to make sure everything is tidied up and we’re ready for the coming season.
I’m going to share with you three of my favorite lifestyle changes to make every spring that will help you do just that. They’re fairly easy to implement and you’ll reap plenty of health benefits.
Drink More Water
During the cooler months, we tend to forget to drink enough water. Because it’s not sweltering out and we’re not as active, we don’t sweat as much, and we don’t feel as thirsty hence we don’t remember to stay hydrated. So, let’s break out that favorite water bottle and drink up.
The recommendation varies depending on your size, but the idea is to aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. As an example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should strive to take in at least 60 ounces of water in your system daily.
It may seem like a lot at first, but there are many ways to drink this amount of water. Filtered water, fruit-infused water, seltzer water, and sports drinks (avoid the high sugar content variety) are great options. Coffee and alcohol, which in fact dehydrate you, are not, so they don’t count towards your daily water intake.
Tip: Start your day with a glass of 8 ounces of water as soon as you wake up (try warm water with lemon if you don’t like cold water in the morning) and keep your water bottle with you to sip from throughout the day.
Add More Steps
With the lengthening of daylight hours, you’ll have more opportunities to get outside and enjoy a walk. After meals is an ideal time to take a stroll as it will help get your digestive juices going. Or if you’re an early riser, go for a quiet, meditative stroll to ease into your day.
You can even use this time to catch up with friends and family. Call up a friend for coffee and rather than sitting at the cafe, take your drinks with you as you go for a walk. On weekends, plan a walk through the park with your family. You will all benefit from the bonding time as well as the exercise.
Tip: Track your steps with an activity tracker like a Fitbit or install an activity tracking app on your phone. There are plenty of options available. Then challenge yourself to get the recommended 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
Stretch Daily
You know that feeling you get when you’ve been sitting at your desk for too long, and you reach out your arms and take a deep breath and say “Ahhhh”? Doesn’t it feel good? Well, it shouldn’t be the only time you stretch.
Getting into a daily stretching routine will help you maintain your flexibility and mobility. You won’t feel as creaky, tight, or stiff. Stretching in the morning can help get your blood flowing and leave you feeling more energized. In the evening, you can do stretches to help you relax and prepare your body for restful sleep.
One of my favorite stretches is the standing side stretch. Let’s give it a try. Start in a standing position with feet together, arms stretched out over your head, and hands together with palms touching. Slowly reach to one side keeping your arms long and hands together. Take five deep breaths then slowly return to the middle. Repeat on the other side. Do this one or two more times. Now, don’t you feel better?
Tip: Add this stretch to your morning routine. After you have your glass of water, take a couple of minutes to do a few standing side stretches.
There are more lifestyle changes you can implement to improve your wellness this spring but adding these three is an excellent start as they’re reasonably easy to add to your daily routine.
Now you know my favorite ways to spring clean your wellness. What are yours? Share in the comments what you like to do when spring rolls around.
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References:
1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/water-for-weight-loss-diet#1
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14715035
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-stretching
Loving Life–The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.