6 Healthy Spring Habits You Can Start Today

We have all heard “April Showers, Bring May Flowers” but it takes more than a little water, it takes getting your hands a little dirty.  Well, this spring, try a new hobby by getting out and doing some gardening! Whether raking, weeding or planting, getting out in the grass and garden offers so many health benefits and actually burns around 350 calories per hour. To get the most out of this activity you should shoot for gardening three times a week. With the weather getting warmer and as the days getting brighter, this healthy hobby will add something new and different to your spring.

There is a good argument for staying under the warm covers on a cold, dark, dreary winter day, but when the weather begins to warm up, it is so much easier to get out of bed and start our day.  By simply getting up an hour or two earlier, you can catch up on the news, a little time with your kids or spouse, make a healthy breakfast or even get in a workout. Think of all you can accomplish with that extra time. It will help set the tone and catapult you into a more productive day.

Add spice back into your life this spring by eating more colorfully. By choosing ripe and bright foods, you can add excitement back into your meals and say goodbye to empty calories and unneeded additives. Warmer weather brings fresher fruits and veggies, so make it a point to stock up on the fresh harvest with all the colors of the rainbow

Although the sun shines longer in the spring and into the summer, we still need to make sure we get to bed earlier enough to get sufficient sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout our lives. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.  During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. The damage from sleep deficiency can occur in an instant (such as a car crash), or it can harm you over time. For example, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems. It also can affect how well you think, react, work, learn, and get along with others.

Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that a good spring clean is worth the energy. it can also benefit your health and wellbeing. When you declutter and get more organized, you are more productive. Spring cleaning combats dust, which is a common allergen. A thorough clean gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps to clear your mind to make it easier to focus on other more important things.

With warmer temperatures and longer days, there is no excuse not to spend more time outside taking a walk, a jog, a bike ride or just playing in the yard with the kids. Whatever it is, just get outdoors and get moving. A good rule of thumb - exchange 30 minutes of screen time for 30 minutes of physical activity.