Spring is a time of new beginnings. And that doesn’t only apply to the trees and flowers, but to our lifestyles too. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and we feel an urge to get out and get active. As we transition from winter to spring, use this time to transition into new habits, routines, and activities. Get ready to jump - or spring - into something new!
Cut Down on the Screen Time - Get Outdoors
Winter was all about staying indoors, getting cozy, and enjoying a movie. With warmer weather and longer days, now is the time to get outdoors. Try reducing your screen time by 30 minutes and replace it with 30 minutes - or more - of exercise or outside activities. Go for a walk, find a local trail to hike, take a bike ride around the neighborhood, explore the closest park, or even just sit on the porch and watch the world go by. Any time getting out and taking in the fresh air is time well spent.
Ditch the Takeout - Try Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
With the flowers and plants in bloom, seasonal fruits and vegetables are bountiful. From asparagus and greens to kiwi and grapefruit, healthy and tasty produce is coming into season. Now is the time to get adventurous and try a fruit or vegetable you’ve never had before - there’s plenty to choose from! Make it fun and have a tasting party. Get your family or friends together to taste test a whole spread of seasonal produce - then add your favorites to your grocery list! Try adding one fruit or vegetable serving to every meal.
Support While You Shop - Go to a Farmers Market
Now that you’ve got a list of your new favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables, time to ditch the usual grocery store and try shopping outdoors. This spring, visit your local farmers market. Farmers markets are an important part of the community, bringing neighbors together and making healthy food more accessible. You can find fresh produce, flowers and plants, baked goods, and local products like honey or jam. Enjoy the sun and spring air while shopping and helping support small businesses.
Out with the Old - Get Your House Organized
Say hello to spring by saying goodbye to clutter in your house. Gather all your clothes together and sort by what you want to keep and what you can donate. Store your winter clothes and organize and put away your spring clothes. Get rid of things you never use anymore. Games, toys, electronics, and even furniture can all typically be donated. Now that you have less clutter, clean your living spaces. Pull out the equipment and tools you use in the spring - like grills, patio furniture, lawnmowers - and put away winter items - like shovels, snowblowers, and sleds. Get shelving, storage containers, coat hooks, and other items that can help you organize your belongings, and establish a cleaning schedule going forward to help you maintain a clean house. Spring cleaning may feel like a lot of work, but when you see your clean, organized house, you’ll feel like a new person - or at least like you have a new house!
Stop and Smell the Roses - Plant a Garden
Early spring is a great time to start planning and planting a garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or want to try something new, seeing those flowers bloom and vegetables grow is always exciting. It may seem daunting at first if it's your first time, but gardening can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. Gardening can help reduce stress, give you a boost of vitamin D as you spend time outdoors, improve strength and stamina, and, if you're growing fruits and vegetables, can help you eat healthier - you can’t get any closer to your kitchen table than your own backyard! Potatoes, onions, beets, peas, pansies, hydrangeas, and gladiolus are all great options to plant in spring. Get outside and get growing!
Escape the House - Travel Somewhere New
Spring break doesn’t have to end after college. Refresh your body and mind by taking a trip, whether it’s somewhere nearby or another country. It can be a great way to shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy the new warm weather. Traveling in spring can also mean smaller crowds and cheaper flights and reservations than in the summer. Going somewhere you’ve never been before means trying new foods, seeing new sights, and, depending on how far away you travel, learning about a new culture and language. There’s no better way to welcome the season of new beginnings than with some new surroundings.
Spring is the time of rejuvenation. Why not take this time to rejuvenate your lifestyle as well? Adopting new habits, trying new activities or routines, and making healthier choices are all great ways to welcome in the season - and to carry through the rest of the year!
Find a Doctor
