Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to be about getting rid of clutter and scrubbing down your home—it can also apply to your overall life and well-being. Try the following activities to help you revitalize your wellness during the warmer months:
Invest in a new pair of sneakers. A good pair of walking shoes can make all the difference in your exercise routine. Running and walking shoes have a limited life span, so it’s important to know when to replace them. By 500 miles, walking shoes are ready to be recycled or used for non-exercise activities. If you wait too long to replace your sneakers, your shoes can lose support, cushioning, and stability, putting you at increased risk for injury.
Detox your kitchen.Is your kitchen filled with sugary treats? Clear out the unhealthy snacks and replace them with healthier options. You are more likely to snack on fruits and vegetables if they are easily accessible, so put fresh fruit in a clear bowl on your counter. There are so many delicious fruits and veggies in season right now, so visit your local farmer’s market and stock up on spring produce!
Exercise outdoors. Light physical exercise has been shown to help people relax and feel better. Go for a walk or spend time playing with your kids outside—not only is it a fun and healthy activity, but it could also boost your mood!
Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Now that the days are longer, you might be tempted to stay up later than you normally would during the winter months. Make sure you are getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep for optimal well-being. Lack of sleep has been associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Read Ten Steps to Better Sleep if you need help getting sufficient zzz’s!
Get organized.Cleaning up your home and office space can help you feel less stressed and improve your productivity. To make this task seem less daunting, tackle one room or area at a time and get your whole family involved. Sort items by things you can donate, things you can throw away, things you want to keep, and things you should store or file away.
Clear your mind. In addition to cleaning up your physical space, it’s also a good idea to declutter your mental space. If you have long lists of to-do items, break them down into more manageable, bite-sized chunks. Avoid distractions like your email and phone so that you can focus on your tasks one at time!
Spring is a perfect time of year to sweep unhealthy habits out of your life and create new, healthier ways of living. If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more ideas on how to “spring clean” your life!
Have a question for a Health Advocate? Email nhess@healthadvocate.com, and your question may be the topic of an upcoming “Ask a Health Advocate” column!
