03-30-23

Spring Cleaning for Your Health

Winter is over and spring is just getting started! It feels so good to see the sun again, doesn’t it? The temperatures are becoming more forgiving, and everything around us seems to be springing back to life. It’s a wonderful time of year that brings a burst of fresh, clean energy and a renewed sense of motivation. 

Let’s welcome the arrival of this new season by jump-starting our health again. We’ve all had plenty of excuses for the last few months with the colder weather and the holiday season, but winter is officially over. It’s time to get harness the renewed energy that this seasonal transition brings and give our wellness routines a good spring cleaning to help us get back on track so we can move even closer to being the happiest, healthier versions of ourselves. 

Not sure how to spring clean your wellness routine? Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started. 

Your Diet

  • Clean out your pantry and fridge. Sort through your food storage areas and see what needs to stay and what can go. Get rid of any expired or overly processed items, give the shelves a thorough wipe-down, and then spend a little time organizing everything that is remaining so you can easily access it later. 
  • Restock with healthier items. Now that you’ve made a little extra room, restock your fridge and pantry with healthier, whole-food items. Having these healthier options on hand will make it easier to make healthy, delicious meals in the weeks to come. 
  • Add in some seasonal produce. The arrival of spring means that a broader selection of produce will soon be in season. Next time you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, make sure you add some in-season items to your cart so you can incorporate them into your meal plan. 
  • Focus on hydration. Food is important, but don’t overlook the importance of water when it comes to your diet. Now is the perfect time to give your favorite water bottle a thorough cleaning so it’s ready to help you keep your body properly hydrated as the weather warms up. 

Your Fitness Routine

  • Reevaluate your fitness goals. Remember those fitness goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year? Now is the perfect time to take another look at them and make adjustments to them as needed. 
  • Organize your workout space. If you’ve set up a workout space at home, spend some time cleaning and organizing it so that all of your equipment has a place. That way, it will be ready for you when it comes time for your daily workout.
    Take it outside. If you’ve noticed a lack of motivation to get your workouts in, change things up by taking them outside. There’s nothing better than some sunshine and fresh air during your exercise routine to help you feel refreshed and motivated to keep pushing forward. 
  • Refresh your wardrobe. A change of seasons often calls for a change of wardrobe, and that includes your workout clothes. As the weather warms up, put away all that cold-weather gear and bust out (or buy) a few lighter-weight outfits to help keep you comfortable during your sweat sessions. 

Your Sleep 

  • Embrace the morning sunshine. Soaking up at least 10 minutes of natural light in the morning can help boost your energy throughout the day and regulate your circadian rhythm. So grab your cup of coffee, turn on some music or your favorite podcast, and spend a little time outside before you start your day. 
  • Get back into a routine. If you’ve fallen into the habit of staying up too late or frequently sleeping in, use spring as an opportunity to get back on track. Decide what time you want to go to bed and wake up each day and hold yourself accountable for that. Make sure your schedule allows you to get at least 7 to 8 hours every night so you can be sure you are reaping the many health benefits of a good night’s sleep.  
  • Turn off those screens. We all spend a good amount of time staring at electronic screens throughout the day. From our phones and computers to tablets and TVs, electronic devices are a major part of our lives. However, it’s no secret that the blue light they emit can disrupt our sleep. With that in mind, make it a point to shut off all the screens in your home about an hour before you go to bed so you can set yourself up for a restful night of sleep. 
  • Set up a relaxing environment. Believe it or not, the environment you sleep in can impact your quality of sleep. Spend some time making your bedroom as calming and relaxing as possible by decluttering, cleaning surfaces, and making your bed. That way, when you lay down at night your mind has nothing to focus on except sleeping. 

Harness the fresh, new, and motivating energy that spring has to offer, and celebrate the arrival of this beautiful season by prioritizing yourself and your wellness routine during your spring cleaning. Trust us. Your body and mind will thank you for it.