Do longer days and flowers in bloom inspire you to do some spring cleaning? With a new season, many people feel an urge to press the reset button — and clean, reorganize, and get things back on track. It’s easy to let healthy habits slide during the dark days of winter. Spring is the perfect time to shine a light on day-to-day routines, clear out the clutter, and freshen up your healthy lifestyle.
Sit Less, Move More
The verdict is in on too much sitting — and it isn’t pretty. Even if you get the recommended amount of cardio and strength training, you’re still at increased risk for a variety of unpleasant conditions if you sit too much.
Here’s the good news — breaking up extended periods of sitting by walking to the copier or restroom, or standing up makes a big difference. Program an alert into your calendar, or download a timer app — like UltraTimer —and schedule brief movement breaks throughout the day. At home, watch a movie over several days instead of all at once, or take several breaks to walk or run through the house, step outside, or pound out a few pushups.
Purge Your Pantry
Set yourself up for healthful spring eating by getting rid of less-nutritious fare lurking in your fridge and cupboards. Out with chips, sugary treats, and other energy-draining, stress-boosting, highly-processed foods. In with fruits and veggies — fresh, frozen or canned. When you need a little snack to stave off hunger before bed, you’re less likely to reach for the junk if it’s not around. Re-discover how satisfying a serving of unsweetened applesauce or a handful of sugar snap peas can be.
Get More Zzzzs
According to Dr. Mike Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic, “Sleep is the most underrated health habit.” It can make or break your health, quality of life, and even job performance. So if you’re doing too much daytime yawning, improve your sleep hygiene. If that doesn’t help, talk to your healthcare provider to rule out — or treat — any sleep disorders. Getting enough sleep can make a world of difference between feeling frazzled and being your energetic best.
Schedule Preventive Care
Take 15 minutes to schedule routine visits for the year. Not sure what you need? Call your medical or dental clinic and ask. Getting these visits on your calendar gets you one step closer to getting the care you need to protect the quality of life you enjoy.
Enjoy a Hobby
Do you lose track of time when you’re fishing — or gardening, or restoring antique furniture? If you’ve put your favorite pastimes on the back burner, dive in again. Or, if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, give it a whirl. Spending time on things you want to do — unrelated to work— is vitally important for relaxation, stress reduction, and creativity. Playing the piano and sewing leave me exhausted… and refreshed at the same time; these activities require so much concentration that my brain gets a break from the constant chatter of my everyday thought stream.
Are you seasonally inspired to streamline your healthy lifestyle? We’d love to hear what you’re doing to breathe new energy into your health habits.
Beth Shepard, MS, ACSM-RCEP, ACE-PT, has a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Arizona. Beth is an expert in fitness and health promotion and a certified wellness coach, helping people thrive by adopting sustainable lifestyle changes. She and her family love to hike, bicycle, and try new sports.
Set yourself up for healthful spring eating by getting rid of less-nutritious fare lurking in your fridge and cupboards. Out with chips, sugary treats, and other energy-draining, stress-boosting, highly-processed foods. In with fruits and veggies — fresh, frozen or canned. When you need a little snack to stave off hunger before bed, you’re less likely to reach for the junk if it’s not around. Re-discover how satisfying a serving of unsweetened applesauce or a handful of sugar snap peas can be.
Get More Zzzzs
According to Dr. Mike Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic, “Sleep is the most underrated health habit.” It can make or break your health, quality of life, and even job performance. So if you’re doing too much daytime yawning, improve your sleep hygiene. If that doesn’t help, talk to your healthcare provider to rule out — or treat — any sleep disorders. Getting enough sleep can make a world of difference between feeling frazzled and being your energetic best.
Schedule Preventive Care
Take 15 minutes to schedule routine visits for the year. Not sure what you need? Call your medical or dental clinic and ask. Getting these visits on your calendar gets you one step closer to getting the care you need to protect the quality of life you enjoy.
Enjoy a Hobby
Do you lose track of time when you’re fishing — or gardening, or restoring antique furniture? If you’ve put your favorite pastimes on the back burner, dive in again. Or, if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, give it a whirl. Spending time on things you want to do — unrelated to work— is vitally important for relaxation, stress reduction, and creativity. Playing the piano and sewing leave me exhausted… and refreshed at the same time; these activities require so much concentration that my brain gets a break from the constant chatter of my everyday thought stream.
Are you seasonally inspired to streamline your healthy lifestyle? We’d love to hear what you’re doing to breathe new energy into your health habits.
Beth Shepard, MS, ACSM-RCEP, ACE-PT, has a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Arizona. Beth is an expert in fitness and health promotion and a certified wellness coach, helping people thrive by adopting sustainable lifestyle changes. She and her family love to hike, bicycle, and try new sports.
