Healthy Habits to Try in Spring

May is the perfect time to put some Spring in your step as we kick off May as Mental Health Awareness month!

Spring is the ideal time for renewal, encouraging habits like increasing outdoor activity (gardening, walking), consuming seasonal produce (veggies and fruits), and optimizing wellness through increased hydration, reduced screen time, and morning sunshine. These small, actionable changes leverage improved moods and energy levels to build lasting routines. 

Healthy Habits to Try in Spring

• Get Active Outdoors: Transition to outdoor exercise such as walking, biking, or yardwork and gardening. Even 15 minutes of movement per day can make a difference in mental and physical health.

• Eating with the Season: Incorporate seasonal produce like asparagus, kiwi, and leafy greens to your lunches and dinners.

• Drink More Water: Boosting hydration can help your metabolism; start with targeting 6-8 cups of water daily.

• Let in the Sunlight: Start the day with opening your windows to the morning sun! Light stretching facing the sun can boost energy and your mood for the day.

• Spring Cleaning: Actively cleaning and decluttering your home can bring a sense of order and clarity to your mind, reduces stress, and boost mood. Set aside some time for re-organizing certain areas of your home to increase your mental clarity.

• Decrease Screen Time: Shift your daily screen time and replace it with outdoor activity or physical exercise. Shoot for a minimum of 30 minutes or less of screen time each day.

• Prioritize Sleep: Create a consistent, bedtime routine without screens to calm yourself prior to bed. Reading or a meditation are great ways to wind down from a busy day.

• Support Local: Visit farmers' markets for fresh, local food, which also increases local community engagement. Look for Serenity’s sponsored booth this summer at the Prior Lake Farmer’s Market!

Small Daily Tips

• Jazz up Your Water: Carry a reusable water bottle, perhaps infused with lemon or cucumber for flavor with you throughout the day.

• Move More Outside  at Work: Take a quick walk around the block during a lunch break to stay connected with the outdoors.

• Try Morning Stretching: Increase flexibility and mindfulness with a low impact stretching routine  or light yoga routine to center yourself for the day.

• Make Fresh Food Choices: Replace processed snacks like chips with fresh options like fruits or raw veggies and dip. 

These actions not only help improve physical health but also contribute to a sense of mental clarity and rejuvenation.