This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please reach out to a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
A smattering of gentle sunshine and the bloom of the first daffodils means that spring is here. This can only mean one thing – it’s time to spring clean.
But this time of year isn’t only the perfect opportunity to de-clutter your home. Just like the start of a brand-new year, springtime is an ideal moment to refresh your health and wellbeing routine.
At the time of writing, some of us are stuck indoors because of coronavirus (COVID-19) while others are return to a new normal. Like many people, you may be worried about how this will affect your life and wellbeing*. Whilst the answers to many questions are still unknown, there are some simple things you can do to improve your wellbeing, stay safe and keep positive.
Increase your activity levels where possible
An at home workout is a great way to enjoy the changing season, increase your daily activity levels, and help you feel happier and more energised.
Something as simple as signing up to an online fitness class can really get your blood pumping and set you up for the day.
If you can, try to commit to at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. Go for a run, take the dog out or go on a bike ride - but make sure you are in keeping with your states current guidelines. Others may be able to join group sessions of yoga with a few friends.
As the weather gets warmer, there’s the added benefit of being able to increase your vitamin D levels in the spring sunshine too.
Bring new, healthy habits into your day
If you’ve been meaning to drink more water or spend less time on your phone, there’s no time like the present.
Make a conscious effort to build health habits into your day, such as keeping a glass of water on your desk and scheduling regular breaks from work. This is especially important if you are working from home and need to work around a new solo routine. Prepare lunch rather than buying ready meals when you do your big shop and swap sugary or salty snacks for dried fruit.
Enjoy some mindfulness and meditation
It can be hard to feel motivated when times are challenging.
Seize the opportunity to embark on a mindfulness course online or use apps to start guided meditations, instead of spending hours scrolling through Facebook on an evening.
Mindfulness is a technique anyone can learn. It usually involves a focus on being “in the present” and breathing techniques to help you relax. This can be a great way to help manage feelings of stress and anxiety and it could even have additional benefits such as helping improve sleep patterns.
Mindfulness and meditation both require practice, so you’ll need to commit if you want to experience the benefits.
Watch your diet and nutrition
If you find yourself with more energy and positivity now that the days are longer and the sun’s made an appearance, make the most of it. Put your newfound motivation into making diet changes, such as cutting back on sugar, alcohol and processed foods or any other item you’ve been meaning to ditch.
Focus on small, sustainable changes rather than anything radical, as you’re more likely to stick to it. Get more portions of fruit and veg into your diet, including seasonal veg like asparagus, kale, cauliflower, carrots and savoy cabbage – all of which make an appearance in spring and can be purchased from your local fruit and veg shop or grocery store.
VÖOST supplements can help support nutritional gaps if you find it difficult to get your recommended intake from your diet*.
*when dietary intake is inadequate.
