As the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel shines brighter and brighter, many of us are emerging with an increased awareness of the importance of preserving our physical and mental health. This past winter, many struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle as people steered away from indoor exercise spaces and only got outside on the sunniest of days. As we enter springtime, Touchplan has collected some helpful habits to think about incorporating into your spring routine as we all strive to live healthier, happier lives.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning has taken on greater importance this year as opposed to the annual cleaning of the pantry. In a Parsley Health article, MD Robin Berzin says doing a thorough spring-cleaning of your home has a number of health benefits. A clean house can improve breathing and prevent respiratory issues, minimizes the spread of viruses and bacteria, and reduces the risk of injury in the household. Spring cleaning has cognitive benefits, too. Tidying up your living/workspace will make your mind clearer and decrease stress and depression. For some housekeeping resources and tips, check out cleanmama.com
Get up and Get Out!
Springtime means the sun is rising earlier, which means mornings are warming up. Getting up early has many health benefits, including increased energy and happiness and decreased stress levels. In addition, being outside lowers blood pressure, improves focus, and promotes graceful aging. Start your mornings with a walk or run to make the most of your day. SleepAdvisor goes into more detail on the benefits of rising early. You can find more here.
Go Green!
With winter in the rearview mirror, it’s time to swap the heavy comfort foods like soups and stews for lighter meals that reflect the seasonal change! As greenery emerges all around us, try to incorporate more and more of it into your daily diet. Spring is accompanied by farmer’s markets and farm stands that are beginning to open. Take a walk or drive to the nearest one and stock up on the season’s latest produce. Look here for the best farmer’s markets in Massachusetts.
Boost your Brain!
Feeling good requires attention to both your physical and mental health, and the two are inextricably intertwined. This spring, take time to assess your diet and make sure you are getting enough of the foods that aid cognitive functioning. Some of these “smart” foods include fatty fish containing omega-3, berries that contain antioxidants, and green tea. For a more comprehensive list of brain-boosting foods, read here. You can also find brain training games to help boost cognitive performance on the Elevate App, free for download for Android and IOS.
Be Sure to Get Enough Sleep
According to the CDC, one in three adults don’t get enough sleep. The CDC also states that a lack of sleep can be linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Some tips for high-quality sleep include getting up and going to sleep at the same time every day, keeping the bedroom quiet and dark, and avoiding large meals and caffeine before bed. For more guidance on how to improve your sleep schedule, read here.
Make sure to check back every other Wednesday for a new #WellnessWednesday post!
