With spring around the corner, as the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can lead a healthier lifestyle. Here are 12 tips to spring clean your health and spring forward into fitness.
1.Nutrition:Eating healthy is simple. Forget the fad diets and stay on a healthy eating plan including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
2. Schedule doctor’s appointments and wellness exams:Many medical conditions can be diagnosed in the early stages by getting preventive screenings. Ask your doctor about what screenings are recommended for you.
3. Stay active:Move more. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, each week for overall health. Start gardening or take a walk during your lunch break. If you are overweight, work toward losing 5-7% of your weight to reduce your health risks significantly.
4. Quit smoking:Be smoke-free. Seek support and talk to your doctor about medications that can increase your chances of quitting smoking.
5. Schedule sleep:Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. You will have a more focussed and energy-filled lifestyle.
6. Drink more water:Hydrate yourself. This is one of the simplest ways to achieve a healthier you. Proper hydration helps digestion, improves energy, nourishes the skin and has many more benefits.
7. De-stress:Stress less. Lowering stress prevents many other physical and mental disorders. Consider yoga or meditation. Gratitude has been shown to lower stress. Instead of focussing on how your body looks, try having gratitude for where you are and take the opportunity to make improvements.
8. Outsmart allergies:If you are prone to spring allergies, now is the time to stock up on allergy medications.
9. Spring Clean Your medicine cabinet and makeup drawer:Throw away expired medications as well as old cosmetics to minimize eye and other infections.
10. Build relationships:Connect with people. Build a community of people who can support you during life’s ups and downs. This brings happiness and better health.
11. Limit alcohol:Alcohol not only causes dehydration but is also associated with sleep disorders, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer. It is recommended that women limit themselves to one drink per day, and men up to two alcoholic beverages each day.
12. Protect your skin:During hot, sunny days your skin needs protection. If you’re outside, make sure to use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Also, remember to wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat!
13.Consider Becoming an Early Bird:Studies have shown that people who wake up earlier are healthier than those who snooze the morning away. Early morning light helps supplement your body with vitamin D and you will also get a leg up on depression.
Disclaimer: The information is intended to provide general education for patients and their families. The information provided does not constitute medical or health care advice for any individual and is not a substitute for medical and other professional advice and service.
