6 Spring Wellness Tips to Keep You Happy and Healthy

There’s something cleansing and rejuvenating about springtime. The sun and warmer weather return, and everyone is excited to get outside more. It’s also a fantastic time to spring into healthy habits if you’ve “fallen off the wagon” during the colder months and need a new start.

Let’s explore some wellness tips to carry with you into the spring months this year.

1.  Shake Off Winter Hibernation with Spring Activities

Winter makes you want to stay in and cozy up. But the warmer weather offers many reasons to move your body more.

Get involved in some spring activities, like:

• Picnics
• Wildflower picking
• Swimming
• Gardening
• Outdoor festivals
• Farmer’s markets

You can also take your workouts outside, such as attending an outdoor yoga class, going for a run in your neighborhood, walking, biking, or hiking. Start a new fitness routine that will keep you active daily. Getting enough exercise is essential for good health.

2.  Be Aware of Spring Allergens

Pollen counts spike during the springtime, affecting many of us both indoors and outdoors. Mold is also a common concern that affects our health.

Minimize your indoor allergen exposure by engaging in some classic spring cleaning (along with spring cleaning your body!):

• Vacuum your floors, carpets, and rugs, preferably with a HEPA filter vacuum.
• Change your air filters often — at least every three to six months.
• Limit moisture inside by cleaning up any standing water or liquid spills and running fans in bathrooms.
• Change your bedding weekly, washing in hot water.
• Keep your windows closed to limit the number of allergens you let in.
• Start high and move down as you clean to catch dust as it settles.

You can also reduce outdoor allergen symptoms by using saline nasal sprays or neti pots after being outside. In addition, try to limit your time outside when the air quality is poor.

3.  Watch the Drinks and Fatty Foods

Spring often involves outdoor grilling and fun get-togethers with family or friends. But this also means many opportunities to overindulge.

Watch your intake of sugary and alcoholic beverages, as those calories can add up over a season. Also, keep in mind that many of our favorite barbecue foods are processed and high in unhealthy fats that can harm health.

If you are grilling and partying often this spring, find a balance with healthier alternatives. For example, you could switch to water or unsweetened iced tea for drinks, and leaner meats or veggie alternatives when you grill.

4.  Load Up on In-Season Fruits and Vegetables

Many spring veggies make great healthier grilling alternatives. Asparagus, onions, carrots, and broccoli are all in-season vegetables that bulk up your meal and provide essential vitamins and minerals. You’ll fill up on more of the good stuff, which means it’s easier to eat processed meats and other iffy foods in moderation.

In-season fruits include apples, apricots, kiwi, avocados, and pineapple. These go well in fruit salads and as sides for a spring picnic or get-together.

5.  Practice Sun Safety

The spring season brings longer days and opportunities for fun in the sun. Getting outside in the fresh air is good for your health, so enjoy yourself this season.

However, remember that too much sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Whenever you go out, wear sunscreen, avoid staying in direct sunlight for too long, and follow other sun safety tips.

6.  Re-Calibrate Your Sleep Cycle

The short, darker days of winter can throw off our sleep schedules. Thankfully, spring is the time to reset and renew.

Prioritize a healthy bedtime that gets you on a regular sleep-wake schedule. If possible, make sure you’re exposed to sunlight right when you wake up. Your body will get on a more regular routine that feels great.

The Bottom Line

Spring has sprung, and it’s a fantastic time to check in with yourself and your habits. Use these spring wellness tips to reset for the year and start feeling your best again.