1. Declutter
There’s a reason ‘spring cleaning’ is a concept that’s been around since time immortal. Aside from the fact the weather is warmer and you can open the windows and air your home, the natural surge in energy we experience at this time sees us naturally gravitate towards decluttering, reorganising and cleaning.
Whether it be cleaning out your inbox, consolidating your to-do list, tidying your home or workspace or even freshening up your wardrobe, research shows that when the spaces we inhabit are organised our minds are calmer. It literally reduces stress and prepares us for increased productivity during the warmer months.
2. Cleanse your body
After the heavier foods of winter, now is the time to ‘spring clean’ your body also. While I’m not particularly fond of radical detoxes for the average person, if ever there is a time to reassess your diet it’s now.
As the weather warms, favour lighter foods such as salads, fruit, vegetable juices and smoothies but don’t forget to maintain an adequate amount of lean proteins and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado and flaxseed oil. Drink plenty of clean water and aim for simpler food combinations, lighter cooking methods and watch your portion sizes – if weight loss is one of your goals, now is a great time to make it happen!
3. Up your exercise
In Spring we start to feel more energised. Particularly if we implement points one and two above our motivation levels will soar. Plus, the days are longer making it easier to get up early to make a class before work or a late evening walk or bike ride in the warm air.
Our bodies naturally crave movement now. Exercise increases your circulation and pumps your lymphatic system, helping to ‘detox’ you from the inside out. Learning to breathe deeply and efficiently further enhances your health while exercising, and during the rest of your day. So make use of this time to increase your fitness regime and develop a great routine to continue all the way through the silly season and beyond!
Melissa Franks is a Professional Pilates Practitioner and has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years.