Say Goodbye to Winter Slump: 10 Ways to Energize Your Body and Mind this Spring
With new life blooming all around, it’s time to awaken from the winter slumber. We’ve rounded up the best everyday health tips to give you the energy boost you need right now.
These health tips are easy to implement and easy to add to your daily routines. They’re sure to help you feel invigorated and renewed this spring.
Top 10 Energizing Health Tips for Spring
1. Take a Daily Walk
Increasing daylight and warmer temperatures are in your favor in spring for a daily walk outdoors. The benefits of walking for your brain and body are abundant and well-researched. Taking a walk can energize you by releasing endorphins and delivering oxygen throughout your body.
Benefits of Walking May Include:
- Improved mood
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Greater creativity
- Better sleep
- Better digestion
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Reduced risk of serious illness
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Increased longevity
- Weight loss
- Joint health
Spring weather can be fickle, but don’t let that stop you! A walk indoors is still a great option.
If the weather is dreary, consider trying cozy cardio, or throw on your jacket and take your walk, rain or shine. Not only will you reap the benefits of walking, but you will build resilience by doing something for yourself when conditions aren’t ideal.
2. Enjoy Seasonal Produce
Choosing produce that’s in season is good for your body and your budget. Spring season boasts some delicious options.
Here are some fruits and vegetables commonly available in the spring:
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Onions
- Strawberries
- Rhubarb
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Mangoes
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
Fruits and vegetables are also known to give you a natural energy boost. Some of the most energizing fruits and vegetables that cross over with the spring season are berries, pineapple, and spinach.
3. Take Your Vitamins
If you’re feeling sluggish, you may need a little help from daily vitamins and targeted supplements. Spring is the perfect time to give your vitamin cupboard a refresh and make sure you have what you need to feel your best.
Some of the best vitamins for energy include B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, and magnesium. While you can get these vitamins from your food (and sunshine!), you may need the added boost from a daily supplement.
Take your vitamins as part of your morning routine for a quick and easy way to take care of yourself.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink more water. Staying hydrated is important for your health and energy. This likely isn’t new information; however, we all need the reminder from time to time.
Start your day with water and keep a water bottle nearby to make it easier for you to stay hydrated.
If you want more of a treat, consider trying sparkling water. It’s a great alternative to sugar-laden sodas. Add a slice of fruit or a handful of berries to your sparkling water to infuse it with some natural flavor and vitamins.
5. Breathe
Sometimes the energizing boost you need can come from something as simple as breathing more deeply.
Research has shown that consciously slowing your breathing can improve mood, well-being, and brain health.
The best part is that breathing exercises can be done virtually anytime, anywhere.
Here are a couple breathing exercises to try:
Box Breathing
- Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 4.
- Breathe out for a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 4.
- Repeat 4 times.
4-7-8 Technique
- Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 7.
- Exhale through your mouth for a count of 8.
6. Plan Your Snacks
Plan ahead and be prepared so that when the craving for a snack hits, you’ll have something healthy and energizing ready. Otherwise, you might find yourself reaching for whatever is easiest, which may or may not be your best option.
Some of the Best Energizing Snacks:
- Apples and nut butter
- Veggies and hummus
- Edamame
- Nut mix
- Protein shake
- Green smoothie
Your future self will thank you for planning your snacks ahead of time. You’ll find yourself more energized and more productive with a quality snack ready when you need it.
7. Eat Breakfast
Even though life is busy, don’t forget to eat breakfast. Research shows that breakfast is important for a healthy body and brain.
When you simply skip your breakfast, your brain doesn’t work as well, your mood can be more negative, and your overall health can suffer. On the other hand, starting your day with a nutritious breakfast can improve your brain function, uplift your mood, help regulate your blood sugar, and improve your heart health.
Some basics for a healthy breakfast include: lean protein such as eggs, or protein powder, nutrient-dense complex carbs like whole oats, healthy fats like those found in nuts or seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
8. Make Your Bed
It may seem like a little thing, but starting your day by making your bed is a small habit that can have much larger, positive effects.
Making your bed in the morning will give you your first win for the day. A task completed, and momentum to keep going and accomplish your goals.
A made bed beautifies your space and contributes to a calming environment. It adds routine to your waking and sleeping, which is good for your brain health and your sleep quality.
Plus, it only takes a minute.
9. Get Some Sunshine
Getting outside daily and soaking in the sunshine when you can boost your health and energy in many ways. Spending time in the sunshine has been linked to improved mood, lower stress, good mental health, and overall well-being.
Vitamin D, which you get from the sun is important for strong bones, muscles, reducing inflammation, and supporting your immune system.
Getting sun exposure can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, which in turn improves your nighttime sleep and your daytime energy. The joy that comes naturally in spring is in part due to the greater amount of daylight and sunshine that you’re getting.
How much sunshine do you need?
It doesn’t take much, even 5-10 minutes of outside sunshine can boost your energy levels and deliver the benefits that come with getting some sun.
10. Stop and Smell the Roses
In this fast-paced world, take some time to slow down and enjoy yourself. We often find ourselves rushing from one to-do item to the next.
Notice the beauty around you, snap a picture of the blossoms, or pause and watch the sunset.
Give yourself permission to play whatever your age! Play isn’t just for children, it’s for adults too. Being playful can improve creativity and problem-solving skills, lower stress, and boost self-confidence.
Jump into Spring with Energy and Health
Take these energizing health tips and try a few, or all ten, for a more productive and happy spring. You will find that little adjustments like staying hydrated, planning healthy snacks, and spending a few minutes outside may do wonders for your energy levels and overall health.
You might try picking one or two tips to implement today and add more as you work them into your routine. You’ve got this!
At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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