Looking for a few quick ways to “spring clean” your health? We’ve got you covered! No matter the time of year or temperature outside, these three tips are key for keeping hydrated and healthy.
1. Stay Hydrated!
As the temperatures keep getting warmer, we start to lose more fluids (even if we don’t notice it from sweat or thirst). Keep a full bottle or glass of water nearby and try to increase your water intake by a couple of extra glasses a day. If it’s hard to keep track, set a goal to have one extra glass before lunch and one before dinner. You can always call us if you want a bigger boost of fluids, vitamins, and antioxidants! Check out our hydration drips which are great for the warmer months.
2. Get Moving!
Research has shown that small bursts of activity spread throughout the day can be just as effective as one long workout— I learned this in my days working as a research nurse in an exercise physiology lab. Carve out 10 or 15 minutes here and there to get your heart rate up. Take the stairs instead of elevators, or do some calf raises while you’re on that conference call.
Looking to maximize your time (you know, two birds, one stone, and all of that)? Do some morning yoga in the yard to soak up some sun while you engage all those muscles—there are a bunch of great YouTube videos that are 15 minutes or less! Or you can even take a quick, brisk walk outside when you get into that mid-day energy slump. After your walk, take a minute to reset. Close your eyes for 30 seconds, take a few deep, cleansing breaths, listen to the birds chirping, feel the cool breeze on your face. Who knows, you might even be able to smell the roses! Even just a few minutes of quick activity followed by a brief pause can change your outlook and leave you feeling renewed!
3. Fill up on Fresh Fruits and Veggies!
For those local to DFW, the Dallas Farmers Market is a great way to stock up on all the great fruits and vegetables that are in season. Mix it up! The colors and flavors are so vibrant in the spring, and they can really help you reset your diet and give your gut a break from those winter comfort foods. A trip to the Farmers Market also gives you a chance to support local community members and soak up some more of that sun! Did you know that extra little bit of sun exposure may increase your serotonin levels (i.e., the stuff that can improve mood)?! Just don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and water bottle!
If you’re looking for an alternative and efficient way to increase fruits and vegetables, try adding fresh pressed or fresh squeezed juices. These can be a great way to add in things like spinach and beets which are high in those nutrients and vitamins our bodies really need! (Spinach = Vitamins A, C, K, iron, folate & potassium; Beets = folate, potassium, magnesium & vitamin C). Just be sure to keep an eye on the sugar content!
We’d love to hear some of your favorite spring-cleaning quick fixes! What gets you going?