HEALTH

The harsh cold of winter can affect the way you think and feel. It might even make you slack off on exercising, eating right and maintaining your mental health. 

With winter coming to a close, now is the *perfect* time to focus on ways to improve your wellness this spring. From starting your own garden to going on evening walks with friends, here are some strategies that will have you in full bloom all season long.

Meditate and do yoga in the backyard

Once the snow melts away, grab a fitness mat and try out a few yoga poses. According to John Hopkins Medicine, doing yoga can help you manage stress and relax. After the poses, try meditating to enhance your focus and connection to the outside world.

Start a garden

Grab a couple pots and seeds from your local nursery and start a container garden. Growing flowers and vegetables will have you in tune with nature, which will build your self-esteem as you nurture your plants. Also, gardening can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety—and boost your Vitamin D intake.

Go on an evening walk

Plan to walk around your neighborhood around the hours of 5:30-7:00PM. Walking can clear your mind of things that trouble you. If you want some company, ask a friend or family member to walk with you.

Add fruit and vegetables to your diet 

Take advantage of the produce that will be in season during the spring and incorporate it into your meals. Eating a healthy amount of fruits and veggies can help protect your bones and control your blood pressure. Try blending various fruits into smoothies for breakfast and tossing vegetables into your salad—or simply use them as a side dish at dinner. 

Spring cleaning 

Is it time to purge some items from your room? Schedule a day for an extensive spring cleaning sesh. Get rid of things that no longer serve you—like an old makeup palette or shoes that no longer fit. The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reported that people who described their homes as cluttered and messy were more likely to be depressed, tired and stressed out, when compared to those who described their homes as clean and put together. 

Are you adding these ideas to your wellness plan? Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag!

Slider and Top Image by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

All GIFs via GIPHY

by Chaela Williams | 3/9/2021