Now that it’s officially Spring, it’s time for some spring cleaning. While most are dusting rugs, cleaning windows, and scrubbing baseboards, we’d argue that it’s time to spring clean your health.
Winter is a hard time for many. The darker days, the holiday parties, the cold weather… all of these tend to negatively affect our health. Portion sizes get out of control, gyms see memberships decline, and freezing temperatures keep everyone indoors and in front of a screen.
Spring is a great time for new life and hope, and this spring, we wanted to offer our patients 10 ways to spring clean your health! It’s time to embrace the new season, improve your health, and start fresh. Today!
Here are 10 ways to spring clean your health this year:
1. Spring Clean Your Thoughts.
We are hit with thousands of thoughts and messages each day. They come at us from all directions. Your kid may wake you up begging for ice water. Your favorite radio show may remind you about some concert tickets that are about to go on sale. Your boss may call for a last minute meeting. Whatever they may be, life’s daily hassles can often get us into a negative mindset.
So how can you clean up your thoughts this spring? Find the joy in the ordinary tasks of each day. When you’re sick of washing dishes, focus on the fact that you have fresh, clean, running water in your home. When you have to stay late at work, be thankful that you are employed!
And don’t forget to incorporate some time just for you into your week. Schedule a manicure, hit the golf course, grab lunch with a friend. All of these changes will help shift your attitude and brighten your day.
2. Soak Up Some Sun.
Vitamin D levels usually dip in the winter because of lack of sun exposure. Unfortunately, low vitamin D levels have been linked to depression, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Our body can make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun, but we also need to consume it in our diets.
Foods such as salmon, dairy products and dietary supplements can help boost our vitamin D levels. With spring and its warmer weather, be sure to work in some sunshine to boost your vitamin D levels as well. It will not only increase your vitamin D levels, but will boost your mood as well! Don’t forget the sunscreen!
3. Clean Out Your Pantry.
Has your pantry become a glorified closet or catch all? What items do you have lying around in there that you bought for a recipe you never made? It’s time to scan your pantry and collect food items you can donate, and toss the rest. If it’s been there for months untouched, it’s time to let it go.
Next, take stock of what you have left. Is it full of healthy, convenient options? Or is it loaded with junk? Take this opportunity to reinvent your pantry and load it up with wholesome, good-for-you food that fuels your body.
4. Add Color To Your Diet.
One of the easiest ways to freshen up your diet this spring is to aim for adding some color to your plate. Fruits and veggies are packed with nutrients and color! Embrace the changing of the seasons with fresh, seasonal, local produce.
Adding these items to your plate will have you feeling and looking better in no time!
5. Spice Up Your Workouts.
If the winter months put a damper on your workout routine, it’s time to get back in the saddle. Ditch the elliptical and head outside for a hike. Get off the stationary bike and hop on a real one outdoors.
Activities that make you breathe harder actually help oxygenate your blood, boost your mood, clean out arteries, and strengthen your heart. Time to get back in the fitness groove and improve your health this spring!
6. Eat With A Purpose.
Is your diet full of sugars, sodiums, and fats from additives? While each of these food elements certainly have their place in a well-rounded diet, if you aren’t paying attention, they can creep in just about everywhere.
When your body tells you that it’s hungry, it is telling you that it needs nutrients, not just calories. Make sure that you are eating whole foods that will properly fuel your body.
Cut out those sugary drinks, add more fruits and veggies, and fuel the machine!
7. Get Rid of Clutter.
Take a look around your house. Clear out any clutter you have by separating it into a donate pile and a trash pile. Donate the clothes and helpful household items to charity. Clear kitchen cabinets of junk food. Get rid of knick knacks that your aunt Myrtle gave you for Christmas that you don’t care about.
Clearing out clutter helps clear your mind, and makes your home a more relaxing environment!
8. Get Plenty of Rest.
Getting adequate sleep not only helps your mood, but it is essential for your health. Sleep helps our bodies reset! Try and get 8 hours of sleep each night in order to reap the best benefits.
Set your nighttime routine and stick to it. Turn off the screens and give your mind time to wind down before your head hits the pillow, and enjoy all the benefits that a great night’s sleep can give for your health.
9. Strengthen Valuable Relationships.
Having strong relationships is incredibly important to overall health. Great relationships keep us motivated and accountable. They provide us with a safe place to take our fears and worries. They give us a place to share our joys and laughs.
Take the opportunity this spring to focus on strengthening the good relationships you have in your life, and releasing the bad ones. Surround yourself with people who love and support you.
10. Schedule Those Appointments.
When was your last adjustment? How’s your nervous system working? Incorporate self-care into your spring cleaning routine this year.
Chiropractic care not only helps boost energy and your immune system, but it helps the body as a whole work more efficiently!
Call our office today to schedule your appointment! 615-203-3505
