Early spring is the best time to take action on home and health. With all the rainy weather we’ve been experiencing in the Bay Area and beyond it would be safe to say most of us have probably indulged in more comfort food than necessary and have neglected our bodies with less movement than ideal. And if we’re being really honest, parts of the home could use some attention as well, such as the storage areas that become a catch-all for junk.
Around here we are experiencing very fickle weather, lots of rain, a day or two of sunshine and then more rain. That means it’s a perfect time to start planting the seeds for spring and summer blooms. If you have time, take advantage of the random sunny days, and get moving! You’ll be glad you did this summer when you are reaping the rewards of getting an early start on your spring cleaning and health routine. Happy spring to you!
1. DECLUTTER
Clutter in the home has been linked to increased levels of anxiety and stress. Tackling one closet at a time or one junk drawer at a time is a great place to start. Donate or get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in years and miscellaneous kitchen items you never use. When trying to decide whether or not to keep something, ask yourself this: “Do I love this thing?” If you don’t love it and you haven’t worn or used it in the last 6 months you should definitely get rid of it. Less is more. It can be a struggle in the moment but the second you purge items you don’t need you will feel instant relief. When your home is clear of clutter so is your mind. Allow yourself the space you need to be healthy and inevitably happy this spring!
2. DEDICATE A SPACE FOR EXERCISE
Prioritize your health this spring. Get inspired by reorganizing your home and creating a corner or dedicated space for exercise. A simple yoga mat, some hand weights, and a medicine ball is all you really need to get started. You could position it near a television so you can easily workout with DVDs or YouTube videos. Or position it near a window if that’s more your style. Figure out what works for you in your space and by the time summer hits, you’ll be at the top of your game!
3.INVEST IN KITCHEN TOOLS THAT PROMOTE CLEAN EATING
A couple of great kitchen tools or gadgets that are making headlines these days are the Vitamix and the Instant Pot. Both for very good reason. The Vitamix is great for making smoothies and helps get your daily dose of fruits and veggies in. You can make it part of your morning routine or post workout routine. Either way it’s a very useful tool to have in the kitchen that promotes and simplifies healthy choices. Yes, the Vitamix is expensive but well worth it. If it’s not in your budget, a very affordable alternative is a Ninja Blender. With many options, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. As for the Instant Pot, there are so many recipes and YouTube videos to help you get inspired and start cooking full meals in minutes. It’s a pressure cooker that has replaced the old crockpot. Save time, save money (by eating out less) and prioritize your health. When we are making our own food, we know exactly what we are putting in our bodies and are able to make better choices. When we eat out, we are often times, eating blindly and over time that is detrimental for our health. Cook a big Instant Pot meal and freeze single portions that can be eaten later when in a pinch for a healthy home-cooked meal. Cooking your own food from fresh ingredients is one of the most important choices you can make for you and your family, (even if it means starting with one meal a week). Just start somewhere. Spring is the best time to get inspired!
4.BRING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE
There’s nothing like getting your hands in the soil and planting something, then cultivating it and watching it grow and bloom. Spring is the perfect time to celebrate the season with plants and flowers. It’s also a great family activity, kids love! With Earth Day approaching this Monday, it may be the perfect time to think about starting a garden or planting things in pots for inside. If DIY gardening isn’t your thing, go to your local nursery and buy some potted plants you can arrange in your home to bring the outdoors inside. It will give your home a fresh new look and feel, and it will make you feel good. When your home is filled with plants and blooms you know spring is in the air! Let’s all celebrate this time of year. Cheers to SPRING and happy EARTH DAY!
