Maybe you already made resolutions in January around being healthier, but then snowy weather sapped out all your motivation. Perhaps you just want to use this time dedicate yourself to taking better care of your body. No matter your reasons, using spring to help refresh your life is a great way to get yourself motivated. There’s a reason why “spring cleaning” is a thing. The changing of the seasons just gives us a sense of motivation and a drive to change things for the better.
Paying attention to your body means listening to signs that it needs to be refreshed. Have you noticed that your joints are achier than normal, or do you just feel a little “blah?” Then, it’s time for a change! Big changes may need the attention of a doctor or health care professional, but there are also ways to help you feel better that are simple and easier to do. This month let’s talk about those small ways you can impact your health. We’re sharing 5 Ways to Spring into a Healthier You!
1. Stay hydrated.
Water goes a long way to helping your body feel better. A properly hydrated body just feels better. Having enough water helps regulate your body temperature, keeps your body and joints more flexible, and supports your immune system. Drinking enough water will also support a better mood and improved cognition. This step is probably the easiest of this list because all it requires is access to drinkable water. If you aren’t the type to enjoy the taste of water, it’s a good idea to find ways to add a little flavor. For example, make ice cubes that have some berries in them. That will help give your water a little bit of a berry flavoring. The amount of water you should drink varies based on your body type, but in general, women should try to aim for around 11-12 cups a day, while men should try to drink around 15-16 cups each day. Cheers!
2. Get enough sleep.
Sleep really can impact a lot when it comes to your health and your mood. Inadequate sleep impacts your stress hormones, appetite, blood pressure, and immune system. Prolonged sleep deprivation can also cause cardiovascular issues and contributes to the development of heart disease. That’s why maintaining a regular sleep schedule is so vital for your overall health. How can you encourage your body to sleep? Make your bedroom a calming space, with limited clutter and just enough decorations to make the space comforting. Limit the amount of activity you do in your bed too. For example, don’t play video games or watch TV in your bed. Avoid looking at screens while trying to sleep in general, as the blue light from electronic devices resets your brain and makes it harder to fall back to sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, make sure that you do relaxing activities before going to bed. Meditation, taking a warm bath, reading an inspirational book, all can help relax you enough that you fall asleep easier at night.
3. Pay attention to your skin.
Your skin is the biggest organ in your body, so taking care of it can go a long way to helping you feel more comfortable. Wash regularly, moisturize, exfoliate, put on sunscreen, and, when you want to treat yourself, get a facial. Healthy skin protects your overall wellbeing by keeping out harmful microbes. On top of that, your skin is just how you feel and experience the world. Without healthy skin, you can’t feel the world around you. Take time to make sure your skin is treated well.
4. Moderate bad habits.
Your bad habits can be anything from smoking, excess snacking, or tending towards a sedentary lifestyle. These things don’t make you a bad person, but they can impact your health. Try to come up with a plan to limit these habits, letting your body recover as you build a healthier lifestyle. Some bad habits are harder to kick than others, so you may need to seek outside help. A support group, your doctor, or even some healthier alternatives can do a lot to help you kick a bad habit and focus on improving your health. What habit do you want to kick to the curb this spring?
5. Decrease your stress.
Stress is one of the highest killers for Americans. Reducing your stress can be one of the best ways to improve your health. Take time out of your day to meditate or focus on you by writing a journal or trying a little bit of yoga. Anything that causes you to come and focus on your own needs can help to reduce your stress. Massages are also a great way to reduce stress, as the attention can work through pain points and causes you to relax. The BrickHouse offers massages packages of different types depending on the amount of time you want and any addons. Contact us to set up appointment.
We wish you all the best health this spring! Choosing to focus on creating a healthier you can help set your season up for success and make the most of the rest of 2023.
